Quick Stats
Moderate |
Temperament
Semi-aggressive |
Color Form
Blue, Green, Yellow, Red |
Diet
Carnivore |
Reef Compatible
With caution |
72-78°F, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12 |
Max. Size
15 inches |
Family
Labridae |
Minimum Tank Size
Tank Size: 150 gallons |
|
Description
The Paddlefin Wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum) is a colorful and dynamic fish known for its active swimming patterns and eye-catching palette of colors. These wrasses display a blend of deep blues, reds, and yellows across their body, with distinctive patterns that make them stand out in any marine aquarium.
They are semi-aggressive and may display territorial behavior, especially towards smaller or more passive tankmates. While generally reef-safe, care should be taken, as they can sometimes nip at smaller invertebrates or corals. Paddlefin Wrasses are carnivorous and require a varied diet of meaty foods, such as shrimp, krill, and squid, alongside some high-quality pellets or flakes.
Their active nature means they need plenty of space to swim, so a large tank with plenty of live rock for shelter is ideal. Wrasses are also known to be excellent jumpers, so it’s essential to keep a tight-fitting lid on the tank. This species can grow quite large, up to 15 inches, making it more suited to larger aquariums.