Thalassoma purpureum

Datasheet

General Description:

Thalassoma purpureum, commonly known as the Surge wrasse, is a visually striking fish species that undergoes significant appearance changes from juvenile to adult stages. These fish are highly active and can quickly outgrow typical home aquarium settings, leading to their frequent availability in the market. They exhibit aggressive behavior towards smaller fish and have a diet that ranges from Artemia to larger invertebrates like snails, crustaceans, and sea urchins. Surge wrasses are known to crush larger crustaceans against rocks to consume them.

Aquarium Suitability:

Suitable with care, Surge wrasses demand a large aquarium as they grow, and their high activity levels necessitate frequent feedings up to three times a day. They are not recommended for small tanks and pose a threat to smaller fish, snails, and crustaceans due to their predatory nature.

Care and Hardiness:

Considered hardy, these wrasses require ample swimming space and a varied diet to thrive. While they do not necessarily need a sandy substrate despite their sand-digging behavior, they benefit from suitable hiding spots in live rocks and consistent access to sufficient food.

Reef Suitability:

Reef safe with caution, Surge wrasses can be compatible with reef environments but require monitoring due to their aggressive tendencies towards other fish species. They contribute to the ecosystem by removing parasites from fish and combating pyramid snails, but they need space and appropriate nutrition to exhibit their natural behaviors effectively.

Aquarium Setup:

Setting up an aquarium for Surge wrasses involves providing plenty of swimming room, suitable hiding places, and a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. The tank should have stable water conditions with specific parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature ranging from 22.2-25.6°C, and a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.

Behaviour:

Surge wrasses can be aggressive if not given enough space and require a partner to live as a pair. They exhibit hermaphroditic behavior, with females changing into males as needed. Additionally, these fish are active swimmers and must have room to move freely in the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet:

These wrasses need to be fed a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. They require frequent feedings at least a couple of times per day to support their high activity levels and maintain their health.

Habitat and Distribution:

Found in the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to various islands in the Pacific, Surge wrasses inhabit areas with diverse marine life. Their distribution covers regions like the Red Sea, Australia, Japan, and the East Pacific, where they play a role in controlling parasite populations and contributing to the ecosystem's balance.