Page 271 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

WRASSE 269

Thalassoma jansenii Thalassoma duperrey Thalassoma hardwicke
Jansen’s Wrasse Saddle Wrasse Six-Bar Wrasse

ORIGINS From the Maldives eastward to Fiji, northward ORIGINS Found in the Pacific Ocean in the vicinity of the ORIGINS From East Africa to Japan, southward to
to Japan, and as far south as Australia’s east coast. Hawaiian islands, where it is very common. Australia, and extending as far as Tuamotu in Oceania.
SIZE 7 in (18 cm). SIZE 12 in (30 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
DIET Krill, mussels, and similar foods. DIET Various crustacean-based foods. DIET Will eat prepared foods, even marine flake.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025. (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025. (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
TEMPERAMENT Do not mix with other wrasse. TEMPERAMENT Becomes more territorial with age. TEMPERAMENT Territorial.
As the Saddle Wrasse becomes older, it develops Vertical black
the characteristic light band of color behind the barring across
head. This varies from orange to yellow, depending the body
on the individual. Dominant males display the
brightest coloration. Young fish have a dark upper
body, with paler underparts. Saddle Wrasse have
good appetites and grow rapidly, so the aquarium’s
filtration system must be highly efficient. Saddle
Wrasse should generally be housed individually.
Jansen’s Wrasse is active by nature, so its tank
should include plenty of open space for swimming, As with other Thalassoma wrasse, the Six-Bar needs
as well as suitable retreats where the fish can hide a sandy base to its aquarium so that it can burrow,
away, especially at night. It cannot be housed safely but it will also colonize rocky retreats. The
in a reef aquarium with invertebrates. Males feeding habits of Six-Bars are such that they
can usually be recognized by their brighter cannot be trusted with invertebrates. They are
coloration, particularly on the head. Good water very lively, so choose tankmates with a similar
quality, along with currents that mimic those of nature. Avoid slow swimmers, opting instead for
the reef, is important to ensure good health. active fish such as tangs or even triggerfish.

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia Novaculichthys taeniourus
Six-Line Wrasse This colorful wrasse can be distinguished from Dragon Wrasse
other similar species by a black spot on the caudal
ORIGINS The Red Sea eastward through the Indo-Pacific peduncle and six pairs of alternating blue and ORIGINS Extends from the Red Sea across the
to Oceania. Extends to Japan and Australia’s east coast. yellow horizontal body stripes. Six-Line Wrasse Pacific Ocean to the coast of Panama.
SIZE 4 in (10 cm). will eat a variety of foods, but they initially prefer SIZE 10 in (25 cm).
DIET Eats a variety of prepared foods. thawed items, such as lobster eggs, to marine DIET Small pieces of meat-based foods.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline flake. Encourage the fish to sample as wide a range WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025. of food items as possible. Only youngsters will get (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
TEMPERAMENT Relatively shy. along well together in the same surroundings. TEMPERAMENT Adults are territorial.

As Dragon Wrasse mature, they lose the rays at the
front of the dorsal fin, and the body also becomes
less colorful as its greenish hue disappears. These
fish excavate the substrate in search of edible items
and may burrow into the sand to avoid danger. They
grow more territorial with age, so keep them with
nonaggressive fish that attain a similar size. Dragon
Wrasse will devour any invertebrates in their tank.

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