Yellow Coris Wrasse

Yellow Coris Wrasse

Local Pickup only

Yellow Coris Wrasse

Scientific Name: Halichoeres chrysus
Common Names: Yellow Coris Wrasse, Canary Wrasse

 

Appearance

The Yellow Coris Wrasse is a small, vibrant marine fish with a striking, solid yellow body. Its streamlined body and pointed snout give it an active, graceful appearance. Juveniles and adults look similar, though juveniles may show slightly more pronounced markings along the fins. Its bright yellow color makes it a standout in reef aquariums, contrasting beautifully with live rock, corals, and other reef fish.

 

Size

• Adult Size: Typically 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) in length.

• Growth Rate: Moderate; reaches full size within 6–12 months under good care.

 

Temperament & Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful but active. Occasionally may chase very small tankmates, but generally reef-safe.

• Reef Compatibility: Highly compatible with most corals, inverts, and non-aggressive fish.

• Tankmates: Other peaceful reef fish; avoid housing with very small, delicate fish in very small tanks.

 

Habitat & Behavior

• Originates from the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in sandy patches near coral reefs.

• Active sand-dwelling fish: it constantly swims around and often burrows into the sand at night or when frightened.

• Requires a deep sand bed (2–3 inches) or fine substrate to safely sleep and hide.

• Known for “cleaning up” the tank floor by hunting small invertebrates.

 

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a single adult. Larger tanks recommended if keeping multiple fish.

• Substrate: Fine sand is essential for safe burrowing and resting behavior.

• Decor: Live rock for hiding, foraging, and exploring. Open swimming areas are also necessary.

 

Lighting & Flow

• Standard reef lighting suitable. Does not have special light requirements.

• Moderate flow preferred; excessive strong flow may stress the fish, while stagnant areas should be avoided.

Diet & Feeding

• Diet Type: Carnivore, primarily feeding on small invertebrates.

• Preferred Foods:

  • Brine shrimp

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Copepods and amphipods

  • High-quality marine pellets and flakes

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily in small amounts to encourage natural foraging behavior.

• Can also pick through sand and rock for leftover food or live microfauna.

 

Behavioral Observations

• Very active during the day; sleeps buried in the sand at night.

• Peaceful with other fish but may display territorial chasing toward smaller wrasses.

• Excellent “reef cleanup” fish, consuming small pests and leftover food.

• Generally compatible with soft and stony corals; does not nip at polyps.

 

Health & Maintenance

• Very hardy species if provided with appropriate sand substrate and a varied diet.

• Quarantine new specimens to prevent introducing parasites or disease.

• Sensitive to sudden water parameter swings; maintain stable temperature, salinity, and pH.

• Requires calcium and trace elements only indirectly, via general reef maintenance.

 

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <10 ppm

 

Breeding

• Rarely bred in home aquariums.

• In the wild, they spawn in pairs or groups above the sandbed.

• Breeding behavior includes elevated swimming and synchronized spawning during dusk.

 

Summary:
The Yellow Coris Wrasse is a small, active, and peaceful reef fish known for its brilliant yellow coloration and sand-burrowing behavior. Reef-safe, hardy, and easy to care for, it thrives in aquariums with deep sand beds, moderate flow, and a varied diet.

 

 Fun Facts:

• This wrasse buries itself in the sand at night or when scared — a fascinating natural behavior.

• Excellent for controlling small invertebrate pests in reef tanks.

• Despite its small size, it has a bold personality and is highly active during the day.

• Can “clean up” leftover food on the substrate, helping maintain tank hygiene.