Thalassoma quinquevittatum

Datasheet

General Description:Thalassoma quinquevittatum, commonly known as the Fivestripe wrasse, is a visually striking fish that exhibits a noticeable difference in appearance between juveniles and adults. These fish are known for their beauty and are often sought after for aquariums. They have a diverse diet that ranges from Artemia to larger invertebrates like snails, crustaceans, and sea urchins. An interesting feeding behavior is their ability to crush larger crustaceans against rocks to consume them. Larger individuals can display extreme aggression towards smaller fish, indicating the need for a well-fed diet to sustain their high activity levels.

Aquarium Suitability (or if suitable?):The Fivestripe wrasse is considered suitable for aquariums with caution due to their tendency towards aggression, especially towards smaller fish. These fish require a large aquarium, and as they grow, the size requirement increases substantially. They are known to jump out of open tanks and may pose a threat to snails and crustaceans within the tank.

Care and Hardiness:Categorized as hardy, the Fivestripe wrasse demands frequent feedings, ideally three times a day, to sustain their active behavior. Although they are known to dig into sand, a sandy substrate is not essential for their well-being. Providing adequate space and hiding spots is crucial for their health and stress reduction.

Reef Suitability:Reef enthusiasts can consider the Fivestripe wrasse as reef safe with luck, meaning they have the potential to coexist within a reef environment without causing harm to corals or other invertebrates.

Aquarium Setup:To accommodate a Fivestripe wrasse, a large tank of at least 800 liters is recommended. Creating hiding places among live rocks is essential to provide security for the fish. Maintaining water parameters at a pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness of 8-12 dKH is necessary for their well-being.

Behaviour:These wrasses are known to be aggressive towards other fish if they feel confined or threatened. They require ample space for swimming due to their high activity levels and should be fed a varied diet to meet their nutritional needs adequately.

Feeding and Diet:The Fivestripe wrasse should be fed a diverse diet that includes larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton such as cyclops and pods to ensure their health and vitality.

Habitat and Distribution:Found in the Indo-Pacific region from East Africa to islands like Hawaii, the Fivestripe wrasse inhabits a wide geographical range. Their presence contributes to the ecosystem by preying on parasites and maintaining a balanced marine environment.