Lunare Wrasse Care Guide
Thalassoma lunare is a widespread Indo-Pacific reef wrasse with a yellow crescent tail, reaching up to 45 cm.
Overview
Thalassoma lunare, the moon wrasse, is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae. According to FishBase, it ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Line Islands, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island and northern New Zealand. Adults have a green body with marked scales and a blue-to-magenta head; the tail bears a yellow crescent that gives the species its name.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Thalassoma
- Scientific name: Thalassoma lunare (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat
FishBase places the moon wrasse on the upper parts of lagoon and coastal reefs and on protected seaward reefs, sometimes entering estuaries, at depths of 1-20 m. Wikipedia notes the fish rests in rock crevices at night and is active throughout the day.
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 45 cm TL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
The moon wrasse is a carnivore (FishBase trophic level 4.2) that feeds primarily on small benthic invertebrates and fish eggs. Because of this diet it will consume ornamental shrimps and other small invertebrates in an aquarium.
Compatibility
The species is semi-aggressive, active and territorial, described by Wikipedia as moving all day long. It suits robust tank mates such as tangs, sturdy wrasses and cardinalfishes, while overly aggressive triggerfishes should be avoided.
Breeding
FishBase and Wikipedia describe the moon wrasse as a protogynous hermaphrodite; individuals begin as females and change sex at around 11 cm. Spawning groups form leks, typically one dominant male with about a dozen others. Captive breeding is regarded as an expert-level challenge.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2008).