Common name: moon wrasse
General information
The Lunar Wrasse, Thalassoma lunare, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. Known for its bright green body and striking blue and pink facial markings, this species is a favorite among aquarists. As it matures, the Lunar Wrasse develops a distinctive lyre-shaped tail, which is the origin of one of its common names, the Lyretail Wrasse.
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
- 25 cm (10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample swimming space
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys varied meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at coral, inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially males
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusLunar WrasseThalassoma
- Speciesmoon wrasseThalassoma lunare (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Synonyms? lunare Linnaeus, 1758Chlorichthys grayii (Swainson, 1839)Julis celebicus Bleeker, 1855Julis cyanoventor Saville-Kent, 1893Julis gracilis Steindachner, 1863Julis grayii Swainson, 1839Julis hardwickii Gray, 1832Julis lunaris (Linnaeus, 1758)Julis maculata Lesson, 1828Julis meniscus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis mertensii Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis porphyrocephala Bennett, 1933Julis rapan Montrouzier, 1857Julis truncatus Cartier, 1874Julis ventralis De Vis, 1885Labrus lunaris Linnaeus, 1758Labrus polyodon Bloch & Schneider, 1801Labrus polyodon Walbaum, 1792Labrus viridis Bloch, 1791
Care
Lunar Wrasses are robust and adaptable, but they require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and rockwork to explore and forage. They are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid is essential. These wrasses are not reef-safe as they tend to prey on small invertebrates and may disturb the substrate, potentially harming sessile invertebrates and corals.
Reproduction
In the wild, Lunar Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and potentially changing to males as they grow larger and more dominant. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental stability and a well-maintained habitat can encourage natural behaviors.
Habitat
Lunar Wrasses are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often seen at depths where light penetration supports vibrant coral growth. They are active during the day and bury themselves in the sand at night for protection.