Canarytop Wrasse

(Halichoeres leucoxanthus)

Halichoeres Wrasse should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and foraging behaviours. Halichoeres Wrasse will bury themselves in the sand at night and if startled, provide a deep sand bed. They may pick at crustaceans and fan worms. A diet of meaty and algae based foods are readily accepted by Halichoeres Wrasse. Males and females generally exhibit color or pattern differences. Halichoeres Wrasse are hardy and well adapted to aquarium life. Harems of 1 male and a couple of females can cohabitate well if added at the same time but can become a bit territorial if added seperately. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Wrasse are jumpers be sure to provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Canarytop Wrasse are also sometimes known as Whitebelly or Lemon Meringue Wrasse. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Males upper half of their body is yellow and lower half is white with two black spots on its dorsal and one on its caudal peduncle. Females will lack the blacks spots on their dorsal fin. Canarytop Wrasse can grow to almost 5".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 50 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef HabitatSand FlatSand Flat
  • Light: LightHighHigh