Common name: Ornate wrasse
General information
The Ornate Wrasse, scientifically known as Thalassoma pavo, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. It is known for its striking green, blue, and orange patterns, which can vary significantly between individuals. This species is part of the Labridae family, which is known for its members' cleaning behaviors and their role in controlling pest populations in the reef.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °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
- 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
- SpeciesOrnate wrasseThalassoma pavo (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsChlorichthys pavo (Linnaeus, 1758)Chloricthys pavo (Linnaeus, 1758)Julis blochii Valenciennes, 1839Julis pavo (Linnaeus, 1758)Julis squami-marginatus Bowdich, 1825Julis squamis-marginatus Bowdich, 1825Julis turcica Risso, 1827Julis turcica lemniscata Lowe, 1843Julis turcica torquata Lowe, 1843Julis turcica lemniscata Lowe, 1843Julis turcica torquata Lowe, 1843Julis turcicia Risso, 1827Julis unimaculata Lowe, 1841Julis unimaculata lineolata Lowe, 1841Julis unimaculata taeniata Lowe, 1841Julis vulgaris Valenciennes, 1843Labrus donzella Rafinesque, 1810Labrus imperialis Rafinesque, 1810Labrus leo Rafinesque, 1810Labrus pavo Linnaeus, 1758
Care
Ornate Wrasses are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. They require a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. A sandy substrate is also beneficial, as these wrasses may bury themselves in the sand when they feel threatened or during the night. They are known to jump, so a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent escape.
Their diet should include a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They are also known to eat small invertebrates and may help control populations of bristle worms and other pests.
Reproduction
In the wild, Ornate Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male later in life. This change is often triggered by social cues or the absence of a dominant male. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but environmental stability and a well-matched pair can encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Thalassoma pavo is native to the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the coast of Portugal to Angola, including the Azores and Canary Islands. They are typically found in shallow, rocky coastal areas and seagrass beds, where they swim openly in search of food.