Hawaiian Saddle Wrasse Care Guide
Thalassoma duperrey is a reef wrasse endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll, reaching about 28 cm.
Overview
Thalassoma duperrey, the saddle wrasse, is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae. According to FishBase and Wikipedia, it is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll in the Eastern Central Pacific, where it is one of the most common reef fishes. Adults show a dark blue-green head followed by an orange band and a blue-green body. In Hawaii it is known as hīnālea.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Thalassoma
- Scientific name: Thalassoma duperrey (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Habitat
FishBase records the species from clear lagoon and seaward reefs, where it lives benthopelagically over coral, rock and rubble. It is usually found at depths of 5-25 m. Wikipedia notes that individuals sleep buried in sandy burrows on the reef.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 105 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Maximum length: about 28 cm TL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
The saddle wrasse is a carnivore (FishBase trophic level 3.3) that feeds mainly on benthic animals. Wikipedia lists worms, molluscs, shrimps and other crustaceans, which it handles with canine teeth and pharyngeal crushing bones. Juveniles, and sometimes adults, act as cleaners, removing parasites from larger fishes.
Compatibility
The species is semi-aggressive and active, swimming in the middle water column during the day. It is best kept with robust tank mates such as tangs, sturdy wrasses and cardinalfishes, and is reported as plant-safe. Overly aggressive triggerfishes should be avoided.
Breeding
FishBase describes a protogynous life history with sex reversal completed in 8-12 weeks. Spawning occurs in aggregations or in pairs, with terminal males much larger than females. Captive breeding is considered an expert-level challenge.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2008).