Coral Reef
Wrasse
More details
Rainbow Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum)
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Pro
Description
The Rainbow Wrasse is a dazzling, fast-swimming saltwater fish known for its electric green, pink, and blue coloration and active personality. Found darting across reefs in constant motion, it's ideal for aquarists seeking vibrant energy—but it requires space and careful tankmate choices.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Rainbow Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and bold, but requires a large, covered tank and well-planned compatibility due to its active nature.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Mostly wild-caught; limited aquaculture. Best sourced from sustainable collection zones in the Indo-Pacific.
Origin
Widespread across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Commonly found in reef crests and surge zones.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
An explosion of color: green-blue bodies with neon pink stripes, yellow accents, and metallic sheen. Always on the move, often weaving between rocks or swimming in open water. Displays social, curious behavior and often interacts with other tankmates visually.
Purpose
Brings constant motion, color, and personality to large reef aquariums. Helps control certain small pests and keeps the tank visually engaging throughout the day.
Importance
Ideal for showcasing the dynamism of coral reef environments. Also used in some systems for their potential to pick at pests or detritus. Often serves as a bold contrast to slower or more cryptic tank inhabitants.
Included Resources
Needs a tight-fitting lid (excellent jumper). Requires strong flow, rockwork to dart through, and open swimming space. High oxygen levels and consistent water quality are essential.
Best Use Cases
Great for large reef displays, FOWLR (Fish-Only With Live Rock) tanks, and dynamic Indo-Pacific biotopes. Best housed with semi-aggressive or fast-moving species.
Conservation Context
Wild collection is still the norm. Choose suppliers with transparent sourcing from well-managed reefs. Overcollection in localized areas can be a concern.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Larger wrasses and tangs
• Damsels and anthias
• Rabbitfish and angels
• Larger dottybacks
• Triggerfish (reef-safe varieties)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji — outer reef slopes and surge channels)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore — shallow coastal reefs and marine parks)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Rainbow Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and bold, but requires a large, covered tank and well-planned compatibility due to its active nature.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Mostly wild-caught; limited aquaculture. Best sourced from sustainable collection zones in the Indo-Pacific.
Origin
Widespread across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Commonly found in reef crests and surge zones.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
An explosion of color: green-blue bodies with neon pink stripes, yellow accents, and metallic sheen. Always on the move, often weaving between rocks or swimming in open water. Displays social, curious behavior and often interacts with other tankmates visually.
Purpose
Brings constant motion, color, and personality to large reef aquariums. Helps control certain small pests and keeps the tank visually engaging throughout the day.
Importance
Ideal for showcasing the dynamism of coral reef environments. Also used in some systems for their potential to pick at pests or detritus. Often serves as a bold contrast to slower or more cryptic tank inhabitants.
Included Resources
Needs a tight-fitting lid (excellent jumper). Requires strong flow, rockwork to dart through, and open swimming space. High oxygen levels and consistent water quality are essential.
Best Use Cases
Great for large reef displays, FOWLR (Fish-Only With Live Rock) tanks, and dynamic Indo-Pacific biotopes. Best housed with semi-aggressive or fast-moving species.
Conservation Context
Wild collection is still the norm. Choose suppliers with transparent sourcing from well-managed reefs. Overcollection in localized areas can be a concern.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Larger wrasses and tangs
• Damsels and anthias
• Rabbitfish and angels
• Larger dottybacks
• Triggerfish (reef-safe varieties)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji — outer reef slopes and surge channels)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore — shallow coastal reefs and marine parks)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Rainbow Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy and bold, but requires a large, covered tank and well-planned compatibility due to its active nature.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Mostly wild-caught; limited aquaculture. Best sourced from sustainable collection zones in the Indo-Pacific.
Origin
Widespread across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Commonly found in reef crests and surge zones.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
An explosion of color: green-blue bodies with neon pink stripes, yellow accents, and metallic sheen. Always on the move, often weaving between rocks or swimming in open water. Displays social, curious behavior and often interacts with other tankmates visually.
Purpose
Brings constant motion, color, and personality to large reef aquariums. Helps control certain small pests and keeps the tank visually engaging throughout the day.
Importance
Ideal for showcasing the dynamism of coral reef environments. Also used in some systems for their potential to pick at pests or detritus. Often serves as a bold contrast to slower or more cryptic tank inhabitants.
Included Resources
Needs a tight-fitting lid (excellent jumper). Requires strong flow, rockwork to dart through, and open swimming space. High oxygen levels and consistent water quality are essential.
Best Use Cases
Great for large reef displays, FOWLR (Fish-Only With Live Rock) tanks, and dynamic Indo-Pacific biotopes. Best housed with semi-aggressive or fast-moving species.
Conservation Context
Wild collection is still the norm. Choose suppliers with transparent sourcing from well-managed reefs. Overcollection in localized areas can be a concern.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Larger wrasses and tangs
• Damsels and anthias
• Rabbitfish and angels
• Larger dottybacks
• Triggerfish (reef-safe varieties)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji — outer reef slopes and surge channels)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore — shallow coastal reefs and marine parks)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Rainbow Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum)
Region
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