Common name: Sixbar wrasse
General information
The Sixbar Wrasse, Thalassoma hardwicke, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. Known for its striking pattern of six horizontal bars on a greenish-blue body, it is a popular choice among aquarists. Juveniles and females exhibit a different coloration compared to males, which develop brighter colors and a more pronounced lunate tail as they mature.
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 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample swimming space
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. frozen foods
- Social
- Harem Males may be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusLunar WrasseThalassoma
- SpeciesSixbar wrasseThalassoma hardwicke (Bennett, 1830)
- SynonymsHalichoeres iris Seale, 1910Julis dorsalis Quoy & Gaimard, 1834Julis erythropterus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis prostigma Kuhl & van Hasselt in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis schwanenfeldii Bleeker, 1853Julis semifasciatus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis urostigma Bleeker, 1853Labrus pulcherrimus Forster in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Sparus hardwicke Bennett, 1830Thalassoma hardwichei (Bennett, 1830)Thalassoma hardwicki (Bennett, 1830)Thalassoma schwanefeldi (Bleeker, 1853)Thalassoma schwanenfeldii (Bleeker, 1853)Thalassoma schwaneveldi (Bleeker, 1853)
Care
Sixbar Wrasses are known for their hardiness and adaptability to aquarium life. They require a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting small invertebrates. A tightly fitting lid is essential as these wrasses are known jumpers. They thrive in a varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine flake and pellet foods.
Reproduction
In the wild, Thalassoma hardwicke exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental stability and a well-matched pair can encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
The Sixbar Wrasse is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to South Africa and east to the Line Islands. They inhabit coral-rich areas and lagoons, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 20 meters. Their natural environment should be mimicked in the home aquarium to ensure their well-being.