Thalassoma pavo

Datasheet

General Description

The Ornate Wrasse, scientifically known as Thalassoma pavo, displays a striking appearance throughout its life stages. These fish, belonging to the Labridae family, are prized for their beauty, although they can grow too large for typical home aquariums. Their diet ranges from Artemia to larger invertebrates such as snails, crustaceans, and sea urchins. Ornate Wrasses are adept at breaking down larger crustaceans by smashing them against rocks to consume smaller pieces. Notably, larger individuals can exhibit high levels of aggression towards other fish and may consume smaller tank mates.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable with care, the Ornate Wrasse demands specific conditions to thrive in captivity. They are hermaphroditic, with females having the ability to change into males when necessary. These fish require a large aquarium, not typically feasible for home setups, and frequent feedings several times a day due to their high activity levels. Adequate hiding spots and ample swimming space are essential to minimize aggression and meet their behavioral needs.

Care and Hardiness

Known for their hardy nature, Ornate Wrasses are relatively resilient when provided with suitable conditions. They necessitate a varied diet consisting of larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. Maintaining stable water parameters with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C (72-78°F) is crucial for their well-being.

Reef Suitability

Considered reef-safe with caution, these wrasses may pose a threat to small invertebrates within a reef environment. Due to their tendency to consume small crustaceans, snails, and sea urchins, caution is advised when housing them in a reef tank.

Aquarium Setup

Creating an aquarium environment suitable for Ornate Wrasses involves providing a spacious tank with ample swimming room and hiding places like live rocks. The temperature should be maintained between 16-22°C (60-70°F) due to their preference for cooler waters. However, it is crucial to prevent them from jumping out of open tanks and to monitor their interactions with other tank inhabitants, as their aggressive nature can lead to conflicts.

Behaviour

Ornate Wrasses are known for their energetic and active behavior, requiring plenty of space to swim and explore. While they may burrow into sand occasionally, a sandy substrate is not a strict requirement for their well-being.

Feeding and Diet

To meet their nutritional needs, Ornate Wrasses must be fed a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. Frequent feedings throughout the day are essential, especially during the initial acclimation period.

Dimorphism

One unique aspect of these wrasses is their hermaphroditic nature, allowing females to transition into males as needed. This natural gender change occurs when a male presence is required within the group. Successful captive reproduction of these species may involve managing and observing these gender transitions.

Habitat and Distribution

Ornate Wrasses, native to the West Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, are typically found in reef environments. They play a significant role in reef ecosystems by preying on various invertebrates, ranging from zooplankton to larger crustaceans and sea urchins. Their distribution highlights the importance of understanding their specific habitat requirements when considering them for captivity.