Common name: Ladderstripe wrass
General information
The Lunate Wrasse, scientifically known as Thalassoma trilobatum, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. They are known for their striking green and blue coloration, with distinctive pink to orange lines running along their body. As a member of the wrasse family, they are appreciated for their hardiness and their role in controlling pest populations in the reef tank.
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 Thrives with ample swimming space
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
- Social
- Harem Males may be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May chase small fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusLunar WrasseThalassoma
- SpeciesLadderstripe wrassThalassoma trilobatum (Lacepède, 1801)
- SynonymsJulis abhortani Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis aran Montrouzier, 1857Julis bicatenatus Bennett, 1832Julis formosus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis souleyetii Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Labrus fuscus Lacepède, 1801Labrus trilobatus Lacepède, 1801Sparus brachiatus Shaw, 1803Sparus hemisphaericus Shaw, 1803Thalassoma fuscus (Lacepède, 1801)
Care
Lunate Wrasses are relatively easy to care for but require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and rockwork for hiding. They are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid is essential. These wrasses are voracious eaters and will accept a variety of foods including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality marine flake and pellet foods. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep them thriving.
Reproduction
In the wild, Lunate Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding them in captivity is challenging due to their complex social structures and spawning behaviors.
Habitat
Lunate 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 ranging from 1 to 30 meters. They are active during the day and tend to bury themselves in the sand at night or when threatened.