Thalassoma rueppellii

Datasheet

General Description:

Klunzinger's wrasse, scientifically known as Thalassoma rueppellii, presents a striking appearance both as juveniles and adults, with a notable difference between the two stages. These fish are known for quickly outgrowing most aquarium settings and are typically available for sale due to their size. They exhibit a diet ranging from Artemia to larger invertebrates such as snails, crustaceans, and sea urchins.

Aquarium Suitability:

Considered suitable with care, Klunzinger's wrasse demands a very large aquarium when fully grown, making it challenging to house in home aquariums due to its size. They are known to be aggressive towards other fish, especially smaller ones, and can pose a threat to snails and crustaceans in the tank. Additionally, these wrasses are prone to jumping out of open aquariums, necessitating secure enclosures.

Care and Hardiness:

Classified as hardy, Thalassoma rueppellii require frequent feeding, up to three times a day, due to their high activity levels. They thrive in tanks with ample swimming space and benefit from hiding spots among live rocks. These wrasses are known for their ability to remove parasites from other fish in the aquarium, contributing to the overall health of the tank.

Reef Suitability:

Reef safe with caution, Klunzinger's wrasse can be housed in reef setups but should be monitored closely due to their aggressive behavior and potential threat to smaller marine life like shrimps, crabs, and small fish. They are best kept in tanks without other members of the same species to avoid territorial disputes.

Aquarium Setup:

When setting up an aquarium for Klunzinger's wrasse, it is essential to provide ample space for swimming and incorporate hiding places, such as live rocks. Ensuring a secure lid or cover is crucial to prevent these fish from jumping out. Maintaining pristine water conditions with a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 is vital for their well-being.

Behaviour:

Known for their aggressive temperament towards other species, Klunzinger's wrasse exhibits territorial behavior and may display aggression towards peaceful or docile tankmates. These fish are active swimmers and may often be observed digging into the substrate despite not mandating a sandy bottom for survival.

Feeding and Diet:

Klunzinger's wrasse thrives on a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton such as cyclops and pods. Feeding should be conducted multiple times a day, especially when newly introduced to the aquarium, though reduced feeding frequencies are possible when natural food sources are present.

Dimorphism:

These wrasses are hermaphroditic, with the ability to change gender from female to male. When a male is needed, a female within the group undergoes a sex change to fulfill the male role, regulating the gender balance within the species.

Habitat and Distribution:

Thalassoma rueppellii is primarily found in the Western Indian Ocean, specifically in the Red Sea region. It has been reported to form hybrids with other Thalassoma species and typically inhabits coral reef environments where it can fulfill its ecological role of controlling populations of unwanted invertebrates.