Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Halichoeres chrysus
Also called Canary wrasse, Golden wrasse, Yellow wrasse
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
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
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
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
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2009)1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Yellow Coris Wrasse. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
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 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Halichoeres chrysus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, depth, habitat, colours, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Halichoeres chrysus en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, body, diet, history, sex change
- LiveAquaria: Yellow Wrasse liveaquaria.comused for care, tank size, water parameters, diet, colours
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.