Saddle Wrasse

The Saddle Wrasse is the most abundant reef fish in Hawaiian waters and a species endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago. It gets its common name from the distinctive orange-red saddle marking behind the pectoral fin that contrasts vividly against its blue-green body. Males are particularly striking with intensified coloration and a bright blue head, while females are more subdued but still attractively colored.

This is one of the hardiest wrasses available in the marine aquarium trade. Saddle Wrasses adapt quickly to captivity, accept a wide variety of foods from day one, and are resistant to common marine fish diseases. Their robust constitution makes them an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a durable and active wrasse species. They are also one of the few Hawaiian endemic fish that appear regularly in the aquarium trade.

However, the Saddle Wrasse is semi-aggressive, particularly toward smaller or more passive fish. As a Thalassoma species, it is an active and sometimes boisterous swimmer that can dominate feeding time and chase timid tankmates. It will also consume small invertebrates, making it unsuitable for reef aquariums with ornamental shrimp, crabs, or snails. In a large fish-only or FOWLR system with robust tankmates, the Saddle Wrasse is a colorful, hardy, and long-lived addition.