Canarytop Wrasse
Halichoeres leucoxanthus
Price range: $37.99 through $44.99
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 3 - 4" - Indian Ocean | Original price was: $97.99.$51.99Current price is: $51.99. | Email me | |
| Only 4 left | 2 - 3" - Indian Ocean | Original price was: $84.99.$44.99Current price is: $44.99. |
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| In Stock | 2" or smaller - Indian Ocean | Original price was: $70.99.$37.99Current price is: $37.99. |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Pest Control |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 70 gallons |
| Max Size | 5 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Canarytop Wrasse (Halichoeres leucoxanthus) is often added to reef tanks for pest control, as it actively hunts small worms and other tiny invertebrates as it patrols rock and sand. It’s also sold as the silver belly or “lemon meringue” wrasse, with a yellow upper body, lighter belly, and (in some phases) distinct black spots on the dorsal fin and near the tail.
What You’ll Observe:
- Steady cruising along the reefscape, stopping often to peck at the sandbed and rockwork
- A “dive into the sand” routine at lights-out, and quick burrowing when startled
- Frequent foraging passes through open areas, then short check-ins to caves and crevices
- Subtle color and pattern shifts as it matures (spots may become more or less noticeable)
Provide a fine sandbed deep enough for burrowing and a rockscape with multiple hideouts so it can follow a predictable day/night routine. Offer small meaty foods (like mysis and other frozen blends) plus quality pellets 2–3 times daily, and you’ll typically see it spend most of the day out working the tank.
Is it normal if I don’t see my Canarytop Wrasse for a few days after adding it?
Yes—many keepers report they can stay buried while they settle in, then begin appearing more consistently once they learn the tank’s lighting and feeding routine.
Will it bother cleaner shrimp or my clean-up crew over time?
Many hobbyists keep them with shrimp successfully, but as they grow they may take interest in small ornamental crustaceans or other “mobile snacks,” especially if they can corner them.
Can I keep it with another Halichoeres wrasse (like H. chrysus)?
Some reefers do, especially in larger, established systems with lots of sand/rock zones; matching size and giving each fish room to establish its own sleeping and foraging areas tends to help.
Why do some have obvious black spots on the dorsal fin and others don’t?
Keepers commonly notice differences tied to sex/age phase and collection locale—spot visibility can shift as the fish matures.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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