The Moon Wrasse, also known as the Blue Wrasse, Crescent-Tail Wrasse, Crescent Wrasse, Lyretail Wrasse, Parrotfish, Rainbow Fish, Sunset Wrasse, and simply Wrasse, is a captivating marine fish scientifically classified as Thalassoma lunare. This species exhibits striking color patterns and is renowned for its intriguing behavior, making it a favorite among marine enthusiasts.
Description and Characteristics
The Thalassoma lunare can reach a maximum size of 45.0 cm, displaying a vibrant array of colors. Juveniles often exhibit a bright orange body with a dark band running through the eye and a yellow tail. As they mature, males transform into a dominant blue with a vibrant orange-yellow stripe along the lateral line. The female Moon Wrasse, conversely, retains a yellowish-brown hue with a darker band running through the eye.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Moon Wrasse, Thalassoma lunare, is a common inhabitant of coastal waters, lagoons, and seaward facing reefs. It thrives in the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, typically found at depths ranging from 1.0 to 20.0 meters. This wide depth range reflects its adaptability to different marine environments. Being a neritic species, it resides in the marine zone stretching from the lower edge of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge, a crucial habitat for a diverse array of marine life.
Taxonomy
The Moon Wrasse, Thalassoma lunare, belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Labridae, a diverse family that encompasses a vast array of colorful and fascinating fish species.
Feeding
The Thalassoma lunare is a carnivore with a varied diet consisting of fish eggs, invertebrates, and zoobenthos. This diverse feeding strategy contributes to its success in a wide range of marine habitats.
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