Paddlefin Wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum)
Fish in the family Labridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
A small, elongate wrasse with a characteristic paddle-shaped dorsal fin. Coloration varies by sex and maturity: males display vibrant blues, greens, and yellows with red or orange markings on the head, while females and juveniles are more subdued with brownish or greenish tones and may have a distinctive blotch pattern.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, small pellets, and frozen foods including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and small chunks of fresh seafood. Supplement with occasional vegetable matter. Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts the fish can consume within a few minutes.
Difficulty and care for the Paddlefin Wrasse
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Origin and habitat
Eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) to the Galapagos Islands and south along the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Log Paddlefin Wrasse in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Paddlefin Wrasse alongside everything else in your reef.
Related Fish
