Common name: Saddle-back wrasse

General information

The Saddle Wrasse, scientifically known as Thalassoma duperrey, is a vibrant and active fish commonly found in the Hawaiian Islands. It is known for its striking coloration, with males displaying a bright green body, a red stripe along the lateral line, and a distinctive saddle-like mark near the tail. Females and juveniles tend to have a more subdued color palette with a series of dark spots along their sides.

Saddle Wrasses are part of the Labridae family, which includes other popular aquarium wrasses. They are known for their curious and bold behavior, often seen actively swimming and foraging for food in the wild.

Care

In the aquarium, Saddle Wrasses require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to provide hiding places. They are generally hardy and adaptable to aquarium life if provided with a varied diet consisting of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It's important to note that they may not be suitable for reef tanks as they can exhibit a tendency to nip at small invertebrates and clam mantles.

Reproduction

Saddle Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. This usually occurs when there is an absence of a dominant male in the group. In the wild, they exhibit a lek-like mating system where males display vibrant colors and perform elaborate dances to attract females.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Saddle Wrasse is the coral reef ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands, where they are commonly found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. They are a benthic species, meaning they spend much of their time close to the bottom, foraging among the corals and rocks.

Geographical distribution is limited to the Hawaiian archipelago, making them a species of interest for those looking to add a touch of Hawaii to their aquarium.