Common name: Blackspot wrasse
General information
The Five-lined Wrasse, scientifically known as Thalassoma quinquevittatum, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. They are known for their striking coloration, with five horizontal stripes running along their body, transitioning from a bright yellow anterior to a rich blue posterior 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
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Thrives in well-oxygenated water
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May chase smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusLunar WrasseThalassoma
- SpeciesBlackspot wrasseThalassoma quinquevittatum (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
- SynonymsJulis coris Lesson, 1828Julis guentheri Bleeker, 1862Scarus quinquevittatus Lay & Bennett, 1839Thalassoma albolineum Nichols, 1941Thalassoma quiquevittatum (Lay & Bennett, 1839)Thalassoma quiquivittatum (Lay & Bennett, 1839)Thalassoma qunquevittatum (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
Care
Five-lined Wrasses are relatively hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. These wrasses are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid is essential. They are carnivorous and require a varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine flake and pellet foods.
Reproduction
In the wild, Five-lined Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males if the dominant male is no longer present. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but environmental stability and proper diet can encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Five-lined Wrasses are commonly found in coral-rich areas and lagoons. They prefer clear, shallow waters where they can easily hunt for small invertebrates and zooplankton.