Thalassoma lunare
The Lunare Wrasse, *Thalassoma lunare*, is a vibrant and active addition to a larger marine aquarium. Its striking coloration features a bright green body with iridescent blue and pink markings, particularly on the fins and head. As it matures, the colors intensify and the tail fin develops distinctive crescent shapes, giving it its common name.
A minimum tank size of 125 gallons is recommended for the Lunare Wrasse due to its active swimming nature and potential adult size. Provide a sandy substrate as they will bury themselves at night or when startled. Plenty of live rock with hiding places is also essential for their well-being. While generally peaceful towards other fish, they can be aggressive towards smaller, less boisterous species and may nip at ornamental crustaceans and mollusks. They are not considered reef safe as they will consume invertebrates.
The Lunare Wrasse is a carnivore and requires a varied diet. Offer a mix of high-quality marine pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. They are enthusiastic eaters and should be fed multiple times a day. In a home aquarium, they can reach a size of up to 10 inches. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male later in life. There are no easily distinguishable external differences between males and females in their initial stages. Breeding in a home aquarium is extremely difficult.