Yellow Wrasse

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Halichoeres trispilus
• Common Name: Yellow Wrasse (also sometimes referred to as Three-Spot Wrasse)
• Adult Size: Up to 5 inches (12–13 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 5–8 years in captivity with good care
• Habitat:
  • Native to the Western Indian Ocean, including coastal reefs of East Africa and the Maldives
  • Found in shallow lagoons and reef flats with sandy or rubble substrates

  • Prefers areas near coral and rocky structures

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
  Needs open swimming space and a sandy substrate for burrowing
• Ideal Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
• Temperament:
  • Peaceful and active
  • Can be kept with other peaceful fish
  • May become territorial with smaller wrasses

  • Will bury itself in sand to sleep or when frightened, so fine sand is essential

Diet & Nutrition

• Carnivorous
• Eats a wide variety of meaty marine foods:
  • Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood
  • High-quality marine pellets or flakes with protein
• Will also help control pest invertebrates like flatworms and bristle worms

• Feed 2–3 times daily

Breeding & Spawning

• Not commonly bred in home aquariums
• Like many wrasses, they are sequential hermaphrodites (start as females, may transition to males)
• Spawn in pairs in the wild

• Requires specialized conditions and large, peaceful systems to attempt breeding

Appearance

• Body is bright yellow with faint green or blue hues depending on lighting
• Three distinctive black spots:
  • One behind the eye
  • One mid-body

  • One near the base of the tail

Distinctive Features

• Known for its brilliant yellow coloration and signature three black spots
• Excellent for reef tanks—generally considered reef-safe
• Active swimmer and sand burrower

• Hardy and adaptable, making it a popular choice for marine aquariums