Green Lunar Wrasse - Thalassoma Lunare - (No Online Purchases)

The Green Lunar Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare), also commonly known as the Moon Wrasse or Lyretail Wrasse, is a vibrant and active fish species.

Characteristics and Habitat
Appearance: Adults are typically green to blue-green with vertical red or purplish-red lines on their body scales. The head has irregular pink or violet bands. They are named for their distinctive, crescent moon-shaped (lunate) yellow patch on the tail fin of the adults. Juveniles are often more blue on the lower body and have a black spot on the dorsal fin.

Size: They can grow quite large, with maximum sizes reported up to 45 cm (18 inches) in the wild, though aquarium specimens often stay smaller (around 25 cm or 10 inches).

Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending to the western Pacific Ocean.

Habitat: They inhabit coral reefs, lagoons, and protected seaward reefs at depths typically ranging from 1 to 20 meters.

Diet: They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on small benthic invertebrates, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish eggs.

Behaviour: They are very active, diurnal (daytime active) fish that are constantly moving. They are also known to be territorial and somewhat aggressive, especially as they mature. Like many wrasses, they are known to be jumpers and will burrow into the sand or hide in rock crevices at night to sleep.

Lifespan:In captivity, they can live up to 10 years or more.

In the Aquarium
Temperament: Considered semi-aggressive to aggressive. They are best kept with other large, aggressive, or boisterous fish that can hold their own. They are often one of the last fish added to an aquarium due to their territorial nature.

Reef Safety: No, they are generally NOT considered reef-safe. They will actively prey on smaller invertebrates, including shrimp, crabs, snails, and may even bother smaller fish. Some individuals may also occasionally pick at corals.

Tank Size: Due to their active nature and potential adult size, a very large aquarium is required, with minimum recommendations typically starting at 125 gallons or more. They need plenty of open swimming space as well as live rock for shelter.

Care:They are considered hardy and relatively easy to care for once established. A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential as they are notorious for jumping out of the tank. They should be fed a varied, meaty diet several times a day.