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Lyretail wrasse is a large active Thalassoma species - vibrant green/blue body with red/yellow tail extensions giving the "lyretail" appearance. Adult fish are striking but reach 10 inches and need substantial tank size. NOT reef safe with small inverts.
Native range: Indo-Pacific. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade. The Lyretail Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Thalassoma grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.
Tank size: 125 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Lid: tight-fitting, gap-free. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
Flow: moderate to moderately strong is preferred by most wrasses - they evolved on current-swept reefs. Lighting: standard reef LED works for all wrasses; the fish itself does not require special spectrum.
Carnivore - mysis, krill, chopped seafood, pellets. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss - schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.
Safe: Larger reef-safe community 4"+.
Avoid: Small fish, small inverts, conspecifics.
Not captive bred. Most wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites - born female, transition to male as they reach social dominance in a group. Tank breeding of wrasses is rare due to the complex behaviors and pelagic egg-laying that resists captive replication.
Cleanup crew predation; aggression at feeding time; jumping.
Lyretail wrasse is a large active Thalassoma species - vibrant green/blue body with red/yellow tail extensions giving the "lyretail" appearance. Adult fish are striking but reach 10 inches and need substantial tank size. NOT reef safe with small inverts. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade.
The Lyretail Wrasse needs a tank of at least 125 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
The Lyretail Wrasse is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 125 gallons, a temperature of 74-82°F and salinity of 1.024-1.026. Adults reach about 10" and live 8-12 years. Lyretail wrasse is a large active Thalassoma species - vibrant green/blue body with red/yellow tail extensions giving the "lyretail" appearance.
Carnivore - mysis, krill, chopped seafood, pellets. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss - schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences. Cleanup crew predation; aggression at feeding time; jumping.
Cleanup crew predation; aggression at feeding time; jumping. Keeper note: Active swimmer needs 125+ gallons. Will eat small ornamental shrimp, small snails, hermits. Acclimate with patience - active fish often jumpers in first weeks. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
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