More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 800 litres / 211.34 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 25.0cm / 9.84inches |
| Reef Compatible | Reef safe with caution |
| Temperament | Might be aggressive towards other species |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Thalassoma bifasciatum, commonly known as the Bluehead or Blåhoved, belongs to the Labridae family. These Wrasses are visually striking, with a notable difference in appearance between juveniles and adults. They are known for their rapid growth, making them unsuitable for most home aquariums as they require significant space.
Aquarium Suitability
Considered suitable with care, Bluehead fish demand a large aquarium, especially when fully grown. They can exhibit aggressive behavior towards smaller fish and are known to jump out of open tanks, posing a threat to snails and crustaceans in the tank.
Care and Hardiness
Being hardy fish, Blueheads require a varied diet consisting of parasites, larger crustaceans, invertebrates, and zooplankton, fed multiple times a day due to their high activity levels. Adequate space for swimming and hiding places, like live rocks, are essential for their well-being.
Reef Suitability
Reef safe with caution, Bluehead Wrasses can reside in reef environments but may display aggressive tendencies towards other species. They can help combat pyramid snails and remove parasites from fish, contributing to a parasite-free environment.
Aquarium Setup
Setting up an aquarium for Bluehead fish should include ample swimming space, hiding spots, and a diverse diet consisting of larger crustaceans, invertebrates, and zooplankton. It's crucial to provide a secure lid to prevent them from jumping out of the tank.
Behaviour
Bluehead Wrasses are active swimmers and may exhibit aggressive behavior towards smaller tank mates. They can live in pairs and are known to dig themselves into sand substrates, although it's not a strict requirement for their well-being.
Feeding and Diet
These fish require frequent feeding with a varied diet that includes parasites, larger crustaceans, invertebrates, and zooplankton multiple times a day. Failure to provide adequate nutrition may lead to aggressive behavior and inadequate growth.
Dimorphism
Bluehead Wrasses are hermaphroditic, capable of changing from female to male as needed. Maintaining a balanced gender ratio in the tank may impact their behavior and social dynamics.
Habitat and Distribution
Native to the Western Atlantic, including regions like Bermuda, Florida, and the Caribbean Sea, Thalassoma bifasciatum thrives in a marine habitat with suitable water conditions, including a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH of 8.1-8.4, and salinity levels between 1.020-1.025.