Common name: Bluntheaded wrasse

General information

The Blunthead Wrasse, scientifically known as Thalassoma amblycephalum, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. This species is part of the Labridae family, which is known for its members' bright colors and interesting behaviors. The Blunthead Wrasse is particularly noted for its striking blue to green body with a distinctive bluish head and often a yellow dorsal fin.

Care

Blunthead Wrasses are generally hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. These wrasses are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent escape. They thrive in a varied diet consisting of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine flake and pellet foods.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blunthead Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding these fish can be challenging due to their complex social structures and the need for precise environmental conditions.

Habitat

Blunthead Wrasses are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments with clear water and are often seen at depths ranging from shallow lagoons to slopes extending to about 30 meters.

Their natural habitat includes areas with abundant coral growth and rocky substrates, where they can hunt for small invertebrates and hide from predators.