Hardwick Wrasse

The Hardwick Wrasse is a beautifully colored Thalassoma species featuring a green body adorned with distinctive red to pink vertical lines or bars. Males develop more vivid coloration with brighter greens and more pronounced markings, while females display more subdued but still attractive patterns. This species is widespread across the Indo-Pacific and is a common sight on shallow reefs.

This is one of the hardier wrasse species available in the aquarium trade. The Hardwick Wrasse adapts quickly to aquarium conditions and readily accepts a wide variety of prepared and frozen foods from the start. Like other Thalassoma wrasses, it is an active, fast-swimming species that can be semi-aggressive, potentially intimidating slower or more timid tankmates.

The Hardwick Wrasse is not considered reef safe due to its tendency to pick at small invertebrates and potentially nip at clam mantles. It is best suited for fish-only aquariums or mixed systems without small invertebrates. A secure lid is essential as Thalassoma wrasses are among the most prolific jumpers in the wrasse family. This species makes an excellent addition to active, semi-aggressive community aquariums.