Furry Diary

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Yellow Coris Wrasse

Halichoeres chrysus

Also called Canary wrasse, Golden wrasse, Yellow wrasse

SpeciesShort profile

From Eastern Indian Ocean (Christmas Island) and Western Pacific, from the Solomon Islands north to southern Japan and south to New South Wales; also reported from Tonga123

At a glance the quick version

Length12 cm12
Sizesmall
Sunny yellow colour
Hardy and active
Eats fireworms and pest snails
3

Looks how to spot one

Slender wrasse

A slim, bright yellow wrasse with a small mouth at the tip of the snout. Young fish carry several black spots on the fins, while adults keep just one white-rimmed spot on the dorsal fin; mature males show greenish to pinkish bars on the face.213

Coloursyellowblack spotsgreen or pink facial bars (males)213

Personality what they are like

Peaceful and lively, usually ignoring corals.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very active swimmer that needs open space plus a sand bed to dive into.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Feed a varied range of meaty foods in small portions several times a day. It may pick at ornamental shrimp or fan worms.3

Home where they are happiest

Minimum about 50 US gallons (189 L) with lots of live rock, open swimming space and 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) of sand. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Wild fish live at reef edges over sand and rubble, usually at 15 to 60 m.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivore. Hunts small crustaceans, molluscs, worms and other bottom invertebrates; in aquariums it takes varied meaty foods.23

Company who they like around

Lives in small groups in the wild and pairs up to breed.12

The story where it all began

John Randall described it in 1981. It is a regular in the aquarium trade and is not considered threatened by collection.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    All start life as females, and some later change to males.2

  2. 2

    Young fish wear several fin spots that shrink to a single spot as they grow up.3

  3. 3

    It is a natural hunter of fireworms and pyramidellid snails.3

  4. 4

    It has been recorded as deep as 70 m, though it usually stays shallower.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 2009)1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Yellow Coris Wrasse. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Tell me when it launches

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Yellow Coris Wrasse?

Feed your Yellow Coris Wrasse small portions of meaty foods several times a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests once or twice daily. This lively fish will appreciate frequent small meals.3 Furry Diary plan

What does a Yellow Coris Wrasse eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Yellow Coris Wrasse is a carnivore that eats small crustaceans, molluscs, and worms. Offer varied meaty foods, but avoid ornamental shrimp or fan worms as it may pick at them.32

How much space does a Yellow Coris Wrasse need?

Your Yellow Coris Wrasse needs at least 50 gallons with open swimming space and a sand bed of 2 to 3 inches. Provide lots of live rock for hiding and exploring.31

What temperature, light or water does a Yellow Coris Wrasse need?

Keep the water at 22 to 26°C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Standard reef lighting works well for this active fish.31

How often should I clean a Yellow Coris Wrasse's home?

Furry Diary's plan includes a weekly glass clean and water test, with a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Furry Diary plan

Can a Yellow Coris Wrasse live with others?

Yes, your Yellow Coris Wrasse is peaceful and can live with other fish and corals. However, it may pick at ornamental shrimp or fan worms, so choose tank mates carefully.312

How long does a Yellow Coris Wrasse live?

The lifespan of a Yellow Coris Wrasse varies. For accurate information, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Yellow Coris Wrasse?

Handling a Yellow Coris Wrasse is not recommended. For specific care advice, consult a vet or experienced breeder.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

  1. FishBase: Halichoeres chrysus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, depth, habitat, colours, IUCN
  2. Wikipedia: Halichoeres chrysus en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, body, diet, history, sex change
  3. LiveAquaria: Yellow Wrasse liveaquaria.comused for care, tank size, water parameters, diet, colours
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.