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Canary wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus) — Labridae

Canary wrasse

Halichoeres chrysus
Family: Labridae
LC · Least Concern

The Canary wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–70.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The canary wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the western Pacific. The species is bright yellow with one or more black eyespots on the dorsal fin. It lives at the reef edge on sand and rubble patches, usually in small groups, and buries itself in the sand at night. With its jaws it seeks small bottom invertebrates such as crustaceans and molluscs. Like many wrasses it is protogynous: females can change into males. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Canary wrasse?

The Canary wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Canary wrasse live?

The Canary wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Canary wrasse get?

The Canary wrasse grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Canary wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Canary wrasse is harmless to humans.

Is the Canary wrasse edible?

The Canary wrasse is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kanarie-lipvis sourced
English name
Canary wrasse verified
Scientific name
Halichoeres chrysus
Family
Labridae
Other names
Canary wrasse; Golden rainbow fish; Golden rainbowfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
70.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Halichoeres

More from the family Labridae

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