Common name: Goldbar wrasse

General information

The South Seas Wrasse, scientifically known as Thalassoma hebraicum, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its striking coloration, with males typically displaying a mix of blue, green, and yellow hues, while females and juveniles are more subdued with a silvery base and dark stripes.

Care

South Seas Wrasses are known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and rockwork to provide hiding places. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine flake and pellet foods, will help maintain their vibrant colors and health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Thalassoma hebraicum exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but with a well-established environment and a group consisting of one male and several females, spawning may occur.

Habitat

South Seas Wrasses are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral-rich areas and lagoons, often seen darting among the corals and rocks. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.

Geographically, they are distributed across a wide range, including the Red Sea, East Africa, the Indo-Australian Archipelago, Japan, and the Great Barrier Reef.