Fivestripe wrasse

Lore & Background

The genus name derives from the Greek thalassa meaning sea and soma meaning body, while the Latin species name quinquevittatum means 'five stripes'. These colorful reef fishes have a complex and quite variable color pattern. The basic color of the body is green with longitudinal red or purple stripes, while the head shows various curved purplish lines and spots. Males change their color during courtship and while they defend their territory. These fishes sometimes interbreed with Thalassoma duperrey.

Reader's Guide

The fivestripe wrasse is an inhabitant of coral reefs in quite shallow water of 1 to 5 m in depth. It seems to particularly like areas with surge channels, plentiful algal growth, and Acropora coral plates. The species is native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. It can be found in the aquarium trade, indicating its significance to marine hobbyists. Its complex color pattern and behavioral color changes during courtship and territorial defense make it a notable species among wrasses. The occasional interbreeding with Thalassoma duperrey adds to its biological interest. The fivestripe wrasse reaches a total length of 17 cm, and its name reflects the five stripes that characterize it.

Did You Know?

• The species name quinquevittatum means 'five stripes' in Latin.
• Males change color during courtship and while defending territory.
• It sometimes interbreeds with Thalassoma duperrey.
• It is found in shallow water of 1 to 5 m depth, often near surge channels and Acropora coral plates.