Banana Wrasse - Male - Tonga

Thalassoma lutescens

The Thalassoma Wrasses has exquisite coloration, hardiness and high activity levels that make them very desirable in the aquarium hobby. When young, these are relatively reef safe because they choose planktonic foods and parasites over invertebrates but adults are much more likely to snack on invertebrates. If possible, add this wrasse to the aquarium last since they can be territorial. When feeding them, give them a varied small meaty diet. Feeding them multiple times a day is recommended as they are very active and keeping them full will help keep them away from desirable inverts. In addition, they are known predators of a myriad of unwanted pests like bristle worms and mantis shrimp. As with all the other fish in the genus, they are capable jumpers at all stages of their life, so a covered aquarium is necessary. The Banana Wrasse will develop a vibrant yellow coloration with a unique pattern in adulthood and can grow to be about a foot in size. Adults will need an aquarium about 100 gallons. They occur in groups within outer lagoons and seaward reef of the Indo-Pacific.