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.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample swimming space
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp
- Social
- Harem Best in groups, 1 male to several females
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial, especially males
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusLunar WrasseThalassoma
- SpeciesBluntheaded wrasseThalassoma amblycephalum (Bleeker, 1856)
- SynonymsJulis amblycephalus Bleeker, 1856Julis melanochir Bleeker, 1857Pseudojulis trifasciatus Weber, 1913Pseudojuloides trifasciatus (Weber, 1913)Thalassoma marnae Schultz, 1943Thalassoma melanochir (Bleeker, 1857)
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.