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Bluehead Wrasse

Thalassoma bifasciatum

Family: Labridae · Wrasses

Also known as: Blue-Headed Wrasse, Bluehead

Max Size

Min Tank

75 gal

Lifespan

5-8 years

Origin

Caribbean, Western Atlantic

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Middle

About

The Bluehead Wrasse is one of the most abundant and scientifically studied reef fish in the Caribbean, widely recognized for its dramatic terminal-phase male coloration. Supermales display a brilliant blue head separated from a green body by two bold black bands bordered in white, creating one of the most iconic color patterns found on Caribbean reefs. Females and initial-phase males are far more understated, exhibiting a yellowish body with a dark lateral stripe and a pale belly, looking so different that early naturalists classified them as separate species.

In the wild, Thalassoma bifasciatum is found throughout the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and Florida southward through the Caribbean to northern South America. It inhabits virtually every type of reef habitat, from shallow patch reefs and seagrass beds to deep outer reef walls, making it one of the most ecologically versatile wrasse species. Bluehead Wrasses form complex social hierarchies with a single supermale presiding over a territory containing multiple females.

In the aquarium, the Bluehead Wrasse is a moderately hardy species that adapts well to captive conditions with proper care. It is an active and fast swimmer that requires a minimum of 75 gallons with open swimming space and a secure lid. While it will not harm corals, it readily consumes small crustaceans and invertebrates, so caution is advised in reef systems with ornamental shrimp. This species makes an excellent addition to Caribbean-themed fish-only or mixed reef aquariums.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

Bluehead Wrasses are opportunistic carnivores that feed on a wide variety of small invertebrates, zooplankton, and ectoparasites from other fish. In captivity, they readily accept frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood, cyclops, and high-quality marine pellets and flakes. They are enthusiastic eaters and rarely present feeding difficulties. Feed two to three times daily.

Compatibility

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The Bluehead Wrasse is semi-aggressive and does best with similarly sized, robust tankmates. It can be territorial toward other wrasses and may bully smaller, timid species. Compatible with tangs, angelfish, clownfish, and other bold reef fish. Avoid housing with delicate species like seahorses, pipefish, or mandarin dragonets.

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Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Bluehead Wrasses have one of the best-studied reproductive systems of any reef fish. They are protogynous hermaphrodites with two male types: terminal-phase supermales that pair spawn, and initial-phase males that participate in group spawning. Despite extensive scientific research, commercial captive breeding has not been achieved due to the difficulty of rearing pelagic larvae.