Collection: Wrasse

This species of wrasse, as you may have guessed by the name, has a bright yellow to orange colouring and an elongated body with a slight curve. Its fin can have a slight greenish tinge to it along with some small darker "eye spots" along the fins.

Males of this species will have a solid black dot on the forward dorsal fin while the females will be outlined with a different shade of yellow. Females may have one or more secondary spots on the tail fin. This species has been bred in captivity to great success.

These energetic little critters can easily kick up a lot of sand when excited and will even bury themselves in at night to sleep. When acclimatising itself to the tank it may stay hidden in the substrate for a few days. Then once comfortable it will create its bed in the same spot every night and wake up at the same time every morning.

They originate from the Indo-Pacific region from the Christmas Islands over to New South Wales and Japan. They are found at depths between 15 and 60 metres inhabiting slopes on the edges of coral reefs.

Tank Recommendations for the Banana Wrasse

The smallest tank size required for the species of wrasse is 230 liters. They will need some rocks to create crevices to hunt in but these fish will actively move around coral so they are best suited to fish-only aquariums.

They move quite quickly too and can easily jump themselves out of the tank so a well-fitted aquarium cover is essential. Due to their enjoyment of swimming and hunting a longer tank is preferred over a taller one. Make sure to include a sand substrate of at least 10cm (4 inches) which will allow your Banana Wrasse to bury itself when hiding or sleeping.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Yellow Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus)

The Yellow Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus), also known as the Golden Wrasse or Canary Wrasse, is a beautiful marine fish that adds a splash of bright yellow to any reef or fish-only aquarium. Known for its active swimming and peaceful demeanor, this wrasse is a favorite among aquarists. Its natural pest-control abilities, such as feeding on bristle worms and flatworms, make it a practical and attractive choice for maintaining a healthy aquarium ecosystem.

Product Details

• Species: Halichoeres chrysus
• Common Names: Yellow Wrasse, Golden Wrasse, Canary Wrasse
• Origin: Indo-Pacific Region (Philippines, Indonesia, Great Barrier Reef)
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 12–15 cm (5–6 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

Care Guidelines

Marine Aquarium Setup:
Yellow Wrasses require a tank of at least 200 liters with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. A sandy substrate is essential, as they bury themselves when startled or sleeping. Ensure a secure lid, as these wrasses are known jumpers. They are reef-safe and excellent additions to reef aquariums, where they can help control pests like small snails, flatworms, and bristle worms.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
• Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025 SG
• Water Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH

Diet:
Yellow Wrasses are carnivorous and require a varied diet of protein-rich foods. Feed them live or frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. High-quality marine pellets or flakes can also be offered as a staple. Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions to maintain their vibrant coloration and energy levels.

Behavior and Compatibility:
This peaceful wrasse is well-suited for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish. Suitable tankmates include tangs, clownfish, and gobies. They are reef-safe and will not harm corals, but monitor them closely around small ornamental shrimp or other tiny invertebrates. Their active swimming and foraging habits make them an engaging addition to any aquarium.

Growth and Maintenance:

Yellow Wrasses grow up to 15 cm and are hardy when kept in stable environments. Regular water changes, good filtration, and maintaining consistent water parameters are key to their health. Their pest-control abilities and striking yellow coloration make them both functional and decorative members of a marine tank.

Availability:
Yellow Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and bring home this vibrant and beneficial marine fish today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.