Sixbar Wrasse

Habitat: Natural geographic location:
   The Sixbar Wrasse or Hardewick's Wrasse was described by Bennett in 1830. They are found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean throughout Micronesia; from east Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, north to Japan, and south to the Australian Islands. They range at depths of just a couple inches below the surface down to 49 feet (15 meters), inhabiting shallow lagoons and outer reefs.

Status:
   These fish are not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
  The body of the Sixbar Wrasse varies from lighter to darker green with 6 vertical black bars dorsally on the back. More mature fish have pink bands spreading over the face. Juveniles are basically the same coloring without the pink bands on the facial area. Sixbar Wrasses are known to be long lived in the aquarium.

Length/Diameter of fish:
   Adults can reach up to about 8 inches (20 cm), though in captivity most Thalassoma wrasses only grow to about 6 or 7 inches (15 - 18 cm).

Maintenance difficulty:
   Easy beginner fish for a large aquarium. Though it will not bother your corals, it is not considered totally reef safe as it will eat most of your small crustaceans and invertebrates, and even smaller fish. House with other aggressive species of at least the same size or larger.

Foods:
   The Sixbar Wrasses are carnivorous. In their natural environment they eat on benthic and planktonic crustaceans, small fishes, and foraminiferans; including such things as snails, worms, sea stars, urchins, and clams. Having very hearty appetites, they are easily trained to eat prepared foods in the aquarium. Feed a varied protein diet strong in small crustacea, formulas and frozen foods such as mysis and brineshrimp, and even flake foods. They are heavy eaters that will eat anything and need to be fed 2 or 3 times a day.

Maintenance:
   Normal water changes at 10% biweekly or 20% monthly.
   For more information see, Marine Aquarium Basics: Maintenance

Aquarium Parameters:
   This fish needs to have a large aquarium with lots of space for swimming, lots of rockwork for hiding and sleeping, and a sandy substrate 3 - 4" deep.
Minimum Tank Length/Size:
   A minimum 75 gallon (284 liters) aquarium.
Light: Recommended light levels
   No special requirements.
Temperature:
   No special requirements. Normal temperatures for marine fish is between 74° and 79° F (23 - 26° C).
Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
   No special requirements.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom
   They will spend time in all parts of the aquarium.

Social Behaviors:
   In their natural environment juveniles are seen in groups, but adults are seen alone or in small loose groups. Can be kept singly or a male and female in a 125 gallon. Aggressive with fish of similar size and should be housed with fish such as tangs and triggers. Avoid slow moving or smaller fish as they will be harassed, possibly eaten.

Sex: Sexual differences:
   Males are brighter than females, with secondary or terminal phase males (females that have changed into males) being slightly more colorful than initial males.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Egg layer. Not yet bred in captivity. Spawning occurs either in groups of fish in the initial color phase or in pairs.

Availability:
   The Sixbar Wrasse is not as frequently available as some of the other Thalassoma Wrasses. However they are sometimes available on the internet or as a special ordered through a pet store and range in price from about $50.00 to $80.00 USD.