The Thalassoma Wrasse, commonly referred to as the Moon Wrasse or Rainbow Wrasse, is a vibrant and highly active species known for its striking coloration and dynamic personality. Its body features a mix of brilliant colors, often including shades of green, blue, red, and yellow, which make it a visually captivating addition to any marine aquarium. These wrasses are fast swimmers and bring a lot of energy to the tank, constantly moving and exploring.
The Thalassoma Wrasse can grow up to 10 inches and requires a tank of at least 125 gallons with plenty of open swimming space and live rock for hiding. This species is known for being semi-aggressive and may bully smaller or more peaceful fish, especially as it matures. It is best suited for tanks with larger, more robust species that can hold their own.
In the wild, the Thalassoma Wrasse is found on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, where it feeds on a variety of prey, including crustaceans, small fish, and invertebrates. In captivity, its diet should consist of meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood, supplemented with high-quality marine pellets.
This species is considered reef-safe with caution, as it may prey on small invertebrates and crustaceans, so care should be taken when housing it in reef tanks. Its bold and inquisitive nature makes it a fascinating fish to observe, but it requires careful tankmate selection.
Quick Stats:
- GENUS: Thalassoma
- CARE LVL: Moderate
- TEMPER: Semi-aggressive
- REEF SAFE: With caution (may prey on invertebrates)
