Thalassoma bifasciatum

(Bloch, 1781)

Bluehead Wrasse

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Florida, Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean to northern South America.

Size: 10 inches (25 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal reefs, inshore bays, and seagrass beds and usually found at depths between 10 – 100 feet (3 – 30 m) where it feeds on crustaceans/zooplankton.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade with the adult male often having a bluish head, then a white band edged in black, with the remaining body a yellowish-green. Females and juveniles are generally yellow above and white below, with some dark markings.

Because this species is mainly a zooplankton feeder, it can be maintained with peaceful slightly larger tankmates in reef or fish-only aquariums having rocky crevices and caves to hunt and hide in. It will also quickly burrow into the sand bed if frightened, and occasionally for sleeping at night. May search bottom areas for tasty bottom dwelling invertebrates, e.g., ornamental shrimp and snails. Keep in mind those in this genus are highly active swimmers and are constantly on the go.

Requires a meaty diet, including fortified brine shrimp, mysis, and other meaty type marine-based frozen for fresh foods, and should be fed three times daily. Will also accept flake and other dry foods, such as pellet foods.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Labroidei

Family: Labridae

Genus: Thalassoma

FYI: Will jump out of uncovered aquariums.

One male per aquarium.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: With caution

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful, yet larger

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Temperature Range: 74 - 82°F (23 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5