Thalassoma lucasanum

Datasheet

General Description

The Cortez rainbow wrasse, scientifically known as Thalassoma lucasanum, presents a significant visual transformation from juvenile to adult stages, showcasing its beauty at every phase. These fish exhibit a swift growth rate that may outgrow typical aquarium sizes, making them commonly available for purchase. They consume a varied diet ranging from Artemia to larger invertebrates like snails, crustaceans, and sea urchins, exhibiting the ability to crush larger crustaceans against rocks for consumption. Large individuals of this species can display extreme aggression towards other fish, preying on smaller ones, necessitating frequent feedings up to three times daily due to their high activity levels.

Aquarium Suitability

Being suitable with care, the Cortez rainbow wrasse thrives in aquarium setups of at least 800 liters and should ideally be kept as a pair (one male and one female) or with one male and multiple females. Their behavior can turn aggressive if not provided with ample swimming space, showing a preference for sandy substrates despite not mandating it for survival. These fish require frequent feedings and benefit from a varied diet to maintain their vibrancy in coloration.

Care and Hardiness

Considered hardy, this wrasse species requires good hiding spots such as live rocks in the aquarium to promote a sense of security. They demonstrate the unique ability to change gender from female to male within their social structure and contribute to the removal of parasites from other fish, although not actively engaging in cleaning all specimens. To alleviate color loss in captivity, a diet rich in pigmented foods and overall high quality is recommended for these fish.

Reef Suitability

Reef safe with caution, the Cortez rainbow wrasse can be a beneficial addition to reef aquariums, offering natural parasite control services. However, their aggressive tendencies towards similar species may need to be carefully monitored in a reef environment to prevent conflicts.

Aquarium Setup

Creating an optimal aquarium setup for the Cortez rainbow wrasse involves providing hiding places, ample swimming space, and a varied diet to support their health and well-being. It is essential to ensure the tank is large enough to accommodate their growth and behavior while maintaining stable water conditions within the specified ranges.

Behaviour

These wrasses are known for their active swimming behavior and their tendency to dig themselves into the sand for shelter. Additionally, they may display territorial and aggressive traits, particularly towards smaller fish in the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet

The recommended diet for the Cortez rainbow wrasse includes larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, other invertebrates, small crustaceans such as krill and mysis, as well as zooplankton like cyclops and pods. Regular feedings several times a day are essential, especially during the initial introduction of the fish into the aquarium.

Habitat and Distribution

Natively found in the Eastern Pacific region, from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands, the Cortez rainbow wrasse thrives in marine habitats characterized by diverse invertebrate populations, where they contribute to maintaining ecological balance through their feeding habits and social behaviors.