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Halichoeres chrysus
A wrasse adding color to tank with vivid yellow body. Useful fish also active in pest control.
The yellow coris or canary wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus) ranges across the Indo-Pacific: a solid bright yellow body with black ocelli on the dorsal fin. Despite the trade name it belongs to Halichoeres, not Coris; adults reach 8-12 cm. It swims actively by day and buries in sand at night or when startled, so a fine sand bed of 5 cm or more is needed. It is peaceful for a wrasse and rarely bothers tankmates, which makes it an easy choice as a mid-water fish for reef systems. It is reef-safe and has the bonus of eating flatworms and bristle worms. It feeds readily on prepared foods. It jumps, so fit a lid.
The Yellow Coris Wrasse lives 5-8 years.
The Yellow Coris Wrasse grows to 8-12cm.
The ideal temperature for the Yellow Coris Wrasse is 24〜26℃.
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
8-12cm
Temperature
24〜26℃
Frozen food, Pellets
Sources: LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Keep stable seawater at 24-26°C and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. A hardy species that adapts well.
It buries itself in sand to rest at night or when startled, so lay at least 5cm of fine sand. Active by day, so allow open swimming space too.
Easy to feed and takes prepared food well. It also helps by eating pests such as flatworms and bristleworms.
One of the gentler wrasses and rarely attacks other fish. Harmless to corals, making it an easy open-water fish for reef tanks.
May stay buried in sand right after introduction
Prone to jumping, so always use a lid. If it stays buried out of sight for a while, don't dig it out.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Yellow Coris Wrasse is 24〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Yellow Coris Wrasse is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Yellow Coris Wrasse typically reaches 8-12cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Yellow Coris Wrasse feeds on: Frozen food, Pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Yellow Coris Wrasse varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026