Common name: bluehead wrasse

General information

The Bluehead Wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. It is known for its striking coloration, which changes dramatically from the juvenile to the adult stage. Juveniles are typically yellow with two black stripes running vertically down their bodies, while adults have a blue head with a green and yellow body, and females may have a white stripe behind the head.

This species is also recognized for its interesting social behavior and hierarchy. Bluehead Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature, often in response to social cues.

Care

Bluehead Wrasses are relatively hardy and adaptable to aquarium life, but they do require a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. They are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid or screen is necessary to prevent escape. These wrasses are voracious eaters and will accept a variety of foods, including frozen and live meaty foods, as well as high-quality marine flake and pellet foods.

Reproduction

In the wild, Bluehead Wrasses form harems consisting of a dominant male and several females. If the dominant male dies, the largest female will often change sex to become the new male. In the aquarium, breeding Bluehead Wrasses can be challenging due to their complex social structure and the need for precise environmental conditions.

Habitat

Bluehead Wrasses are found in a variety of reef habitats, from shallow seagrass beds to deeper coral reefs. They are common in the tropical western Atlantic, ranging from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.