Yellow and Purple Wrasse

The Yellow and Purple Wrasse is a strikingly colorful species that lives up to its descriptive common name. Males display a vibrant yellow body accented with purple to violet markings on the head and along the body, creating a bold two-tone color scheme that stands out in any reef aquarium. Females are primarily yellow with more subtle violet highlights, though they are still quite attractive.

This species is one of the easier Halichoeres wrasses to keep, accepting prepared foods readily and adapting well to captive conditions. It is an active swimmer that patrols the live rock and sand bed with an engaging, purposeful demeanor. The Yellow and Purple Wrasse is hardy, disease-resistant, and suitable for beginner to intermediate aquarists looking for a colorful and functional reef fish.

Completely reef-safe and peaceful, this wrasse integrates well into community reef setups. It may consume small pest invertebrates like flatworms and bristleworms, providing beneficial pest control. Like other Halichoeres species, it sleeps buried in the sand at night, so a sand substrate of at least two inches is essential. A tight-fitting lid is necessary to prevent jumping. This is an excellent all-around wrasse that combines beauty, hardiness, and reef compatibility.