Thalassoma cupido

Datasheet

General Description

Thalassoma cupido, part of the Labridae family, is a beautiful species that undergoes significant visual transformations from juveniles to adults. These fish are prized for their vibrant colors and curious behaviors, making them popular in reef aquaria. They are known for their ability to combat unwanted invertebrates such as flatworms and pyramid snails, contributing to the ecosystem of the tank.

Aquarium Suitability (Suitable with Care)

Might be aggressive towards other species, especially if not provided with adequate space. They have a hardy nature but require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space, along with good hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat. Due to their aggressive behavior towards smaller fish, snails, and crustaceans, caution is advised when selecting tankmates.

Demands

Thalassoma cupido demands frequent feeding, at least a couple of times a day, due to their high activity levels. They require a varied diet consisting of larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton to thrive. Additionally, they are hermaphroditic, with the ability to change gender from female to male as needed.

Care and Hardiness

These wrasses are classified as hardy and can adapt to a range of water conditions. They are known to jump out of open aquariums, so a secure lid is essential. Their aggressive nature towards smaller tank mates means they are best kept in a species-specific setup or with robust companions.

Reef Suitability

Thalassoma cupido is considered reef safe with caution. While they are beneficial in controlling parasites, their aggressive tendencies and large space requirements should be considered when planning a reef tank with this species.

Aquarium Setup

To accommodate the needs of Thalassoma cupido, a large aquarium of at least 800 liters is recommended. Providing a sandy substrate, ample swimming space, and hiding spots among live rocks will help mimic their natural habitat. Ensuring a secure lid to prevent jumping is crucial in the setup.

Behaviour

These wrasses are active swimmers that exhibit aggressive behavior towards smaller fish and invertebrates. They can live in pairs, with a male and female coexisting harmoniously. Despite their tendency to dig into sand, a sandy substrate is not essential for their well-being.

Feeding and Diet

Thalassoma cupido must be fed a varied diet including larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. Frequent feeding is required due to their high activity levels, and they can help control pyramid snails in the aquarium ecosystem.

Habitat and Distribution

Found primarily in Japan, Thalassoma cupido inhabits diverse marine environments. They are known for their ability to clean fish by removing parasites, contributing to the overall health of the aquatic community. Their habitat preferences include rocky areas with hiding spots and open swimming spaces.