Yellow Chrysus Wrasse – Halichoeres chrysus

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 9/18 - Release Date: 10/8
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Yellow Chrysus Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus) is a small, brilliantly colored reef wrasse recognized by its intense yellow coloration and contrasting dark markings on the dorsal fin. Also known as the Canary Wrasse and Golden Wrasse, it brings both vivid color and constant activity to a marine aquarium.

Color pattern changes as these wrasses mature. Younger individuals and females may display multiple dark spots along the dorsal fin, while mature males typically have fewer prominent dorsal markings. The fish pictured shows two distinct black dorsal spots, consistent with the variation documented for the species. FishBase

Halichoeres chrysus occurs across the Western Pacific, extending north to southern Japan, south to Australia, and east into the Pacific. FishBase also documents populations throughout Indonesia, including Bali, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Sulawesi, Java and other areas. The species reaches approximately 12 cm (4.7 inches) total length. FishBase

In nature, Yellow Chrysus Wrasses are associated with reef edges and areas containing both sand and rubble. This habitat preference is important in aquarium care because Halichoeres wrasses use the substrate as a place of refuge. FishBase

This fish is offered as one of Dr. Mac’s Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Halichoeres chrysus Randall, 1981
Common Names: Yellow Chrysus Wrasse, Canary Wrasse, Golden Wrasse, Yellow Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Availability: Wild Collected – Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible with caution
Minimum Aquarium Size: 40 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 4.7 inches (12 cm total length) FishBase
Diet: Carnivore / small-invertebrate feeder
Temperature: 75–81°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide a mature aquarium with rockwork for exploration, open swimming room, and a sand bed deep enough for the fish to bury itself completely. FishBase documents the species around reef edges with sand and rubble, and a suitable substrate is an important part of maintaining Halichoeres wrasses. FishBase

A secure aquarium cover is strongly recommended. Wrasses are capable jumpers, particularly when startled or newly introduced.

Temperament: Yellow Chrysus Wrasses are generally peaceful and work well in reef communities with other non-aggressive fish. As with most wrasses, individual behavior can vary, and sufficient space should be provided when keeping them with other wrasses.

Reef Compatibility: Best classified as reef compatible with caution. They are not generally kept as coral predators, but their natural foraging behavior can put very small mobile invertebrates at risk. This distinction is particularly important if the aquarium contains tiny ornamental crustaceans.

Diet and Feeding: Offer a varied carnivorous diet consisting of appropriately sized foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods, and quality marine pellets. Established live rock also provides opportunities for natural foraging.

Sand Bed: Recommended. Unlike the Carpenter’s and McCosker’s Flasher Wrasses we just covered, Halichoeres chrysus is a sand-burying wrasse. A fine to moderately fine substrate allows the fish to retreat naturally when resting or frightened.