Thalassoma lutescens

(Lay & Bennett, 1839)

Sunset Wrasse

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Sri Lanka to Ducie Island, north to Southern Japan and Hawaiian Islands, and south to Lord Howe, Kermadec, and Rapa Islands.

Size: 12 inches (30 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits areas above sand, gravel, or dense coral growth in shallow exposed inner and outer reefs and usually found at depths between 3 – 65 feet (1 – 20 m) where it feeds on crustaceans/zooplankton.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade with the adult male sometimes exhibiting its terminal phase coloring, which has a greenish face with wide pink irregular lines, followed by a blue vertical body bar turning green towards the tail, and pink at the base of the dorsal and anal fins, which are basically green.

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: 150 gallons

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

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5