Banana Wrasse

The Banana Wrasse is a large, robust, and highly active wrasse species prized for its striking yellow-green coloration and bold personality. Terminal-phase males display a vivid yellow to lime-green body with a distinctive magenta or pink facial marking and a bright blue-edged head, while females and juveniles tend toward a more subdued brownish-yellow with lighter bellies. This species can reach up to 12 inches in captivity and requires a spacious aquarium to accommodate its constant, energetic swimming.

In the wild, Thalassoma lutescens is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the coast of East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. It inhabits coral reefs, rocky areas, and lagoon environments at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters, where it patrols large territories in search of small invertebrates, crustaceans, and zooplankton. Its active foraging behavior and fast swimming speed make it a dominant presence on the reef.

In the aquarium, the Banana Wrasse is a hardy and disease-resistant fish that adapts well to captive life, making it suitable for aquarists with moderate experience. However, its large adult size and boisterous swimming demand a tank of at least 125 gallons with a secure, tight-fitting lid, as this species is a notorious jumper. While generally reef-compatible, it will prey on small invertebrates including ornamental shrimp, feather dusters, and small snails, so it is best classified as reef-safe with caution.