Thalassoma duperrey

Datasheet

General Description

The Saddle wrasse, also known as Thalassoma duperrey, is a member of the Labridae family. These fish are known for their stunning appearance, with differences in coloration between juveniles and adults. They are prized for their beauty and are often sought after in the aquarium trade.

Aquarium Suitability

Saddle wrasses are suitable for aquariums but demand a very large tank when fully grown. They have a tendency to outgrow typical home aquarium sizes and require ample space to thrive properly. Additionally, they are aggressive towards smaller fish, snails, and crustaceans, making them a potential threat in a mixed-species tank.

Demands

These fish are classified as hardy and can adapt well to various tank conditions. However, they can exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel cramped or threatened. Providing ample space, hiding spots, and a varied diet is essential to their well-being in captivity.

Care and Hardiness

Saddle wrasses require frequent feeding, ideally three times a day, due to their high activity levels. They are capable of consuming a range of foods, from zooplankton to larger invertebrates like snails and crustaceans. It is crucial to offer a diversified diet to meet their nutritional needs.

Reef Suitability

Considered reef-safe with caution, Saddle wrasses may pose a risk to certain reef inhabitants due to their predatory nature. They have been known to feed on smaller crustaceans and invertebrates, so careful consideration should be taken when introducing them to a reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Saddle wrasses involves providing a sandy substrate, ample swimming space, and suitable hiding places like live rocks. Maintaining a stable environment with proper water parameters, including a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, is essential for their health.

Behaviour

These wrasses exhibit active behavior and are known to dig themselves into sand substrates. They can also live in pairs, typically consisting of a male and a female. Their territorial nature and aggressiveness towards smaller tank mates necessitate careful tank planning to prevent conflicts.

Feeding and Diet

Saddle wrasses thrive on a varied diet that includes fish, larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton. Regular feeding several times a day is recommended, especially during the initial introduction to a new aquarium.

Habitat and Distribution

These wrasses are native to the Eastern Central Pacific region, specifically the Johnston and Hawaiian Islands. They are commonly found in reef habitats and exhibit diverse feeding behaviors, ranging from zooplankton to larger crustaceans and sea urchins in their natural environment.