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Yellow coris wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus)
Photo: Sushi Girl1995 · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Yellow coris wrasse

Halichoeres chrysus · Labridae

Also known as Yellow wrasse, Golden rainbowfish

Beginner

A canary-yellow sand-diving wrasse that patrols the rock for pests all day.

In short: A yellow coris wrasse needs at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.

Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
12 cm (4.7 in)
Group size
1+

Reef & marine husbandry

Specific gravity
1.023–1.026
Reef safety
Reef safe
With corals
Reef safe.
With inverts
Eats small snails, worms and shrimp.
Minimum in a mixed reef
210 L (55 US gal)
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
210 L (55 US gal)
Aggression
Peaceful.
Feeding
Twice daily.

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
8–12 dGH
Lifespan
5–10 years
Diet
Carnivore — mysis, pellets, clam, reef micro-fauna.
Care level
Beginner

Origin & habitat

Native region
Indo-Pacific
Water type
Saltwater
Biotope
Sandy rubble beside reef
Natural conditions
Deep sand to sleep in; tight lid.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament
Peaceful
Minimum group
1 fish
Swims
All levels
Good tank mates
Clownfish
Tangs
Anthias
Avoid
Ornamental shrimp
Other Halichoeres

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty
Advanced
Sexing
Males are larger with clearer tail spots.
Notes
Not bred at home.
Common ailments
Marine ich
Jumping
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