Temperament : Aggressive
Color : Blue, Green, Purple, Red, Yellow
Diet : Carnivore
Reef Compatible : With Caution
Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size : 8"
Origin : Pacific Ocean
Family: Labridae
Minimum Tank Size : 75 gallons
The Paddlefin Wrasse (Thalassoma Lucasanum) is a species of wrasse native to the eastern Pacific Ocean from Baja California to Peru, as well as around the Galapagos Islands.
The Paddlefin Wrasse is also referred to as the Rainbow or Cortez Rainbow Wrasse. As a juvenile they are mostly black in color with a yellow and pink belly. As they mature into an adult, their coloration brightens into an array of colors. Their body takes on a reddish coloration, and the head area and fins become blue to green in color. Adding to the appeal of the adult fish, is a bright yellow band located just behind the head. These are one of the smaller wrasse within the genus, and make a wonderful addition to a saltwater fish only aquarium.
It should reside in a 75 gallon or larger aquarium with larger, aggressive tank mates, and plenty of rocks for hiding. The Paddlefin Wrasse becomes territorial and bothers any new additions to the community, so it should be the last fish added to the community. It may be kept with a mate if the aquarium is 125 gallons or larger. It is an excellent fish for the community aquarium as long as its tank mates are of a similar temperament. This wrasse doesn't bother corals but it will eat crustaceans, invertebrates, and small fish. It may even eat mantis shrimp and bristleworms.
The Paddlefin Wrasse can change sex from female to male. When a male is needed, the female changes sex and assumes the role.
The Thalassoma Lucasanum diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. This fish requires feeding several times a day, especially when newly added.
Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"
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