{"product_id":"paddlefin-wrasse-thalasomma-lucasanum","title":"Paddlefin Wrasse","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Paddlefin Wrasse, \u003cem\u003eThalassoma lucasanum\u003c\/em\u003e, is a brilliantly colored and highly active saltwater fish also commonly known as the Cortez Rainbow Wrasse. Juveniles display bold dark, yellow, and reddish coloration, while mature individuals undergo a dramatic transformation. Adult males are especially striking, developing a blue-green to violet head, rich reddish body coloration, and a prominent yellow band behind the head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the tropical Eastern Pacific, this species inhabits rocky and coral reef environments from the Gulf of California south to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands. In the wild, it actively patrols reef habitats while feeding on suspended plankton and small hard-shelled invertebrates. Its constant movement, vivid coloration, and outgoing behavior make it an impressive display fish for spacious marine aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Paddlefin Wrasse is relatively hardy once established but becomes assertive as it matures. It is best suited to larger fish-only aquariums or carefully planned reef aquariums with robust tankmates. Corals are generally ignored, but ornamental crustaceans and other small invertebrates may be hunted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore \/ Planktivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Pacific – Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eThalassoma lucasanum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a spacious aquarium with substantial open swimming room and securely arranged rockwork containing caves, overhangs, and sheltered areas. The Paddlefin Wrasse is an energetic swimmer that spends much of the day actively exploring the aquarium, so adequate horizontal swimming space is particularly important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sand bed is recommended because this wrasse may bury itself when sleeping or frightened. Fine to moderately fine aquarium sand is preferable to coarse or sharp substrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement and efficient filtration are appropriate for this active species. A tightly fitting aquarium lid is essential, as \u003cem\u003eThalassoma\u003c\/em\u003e wrasses are powerful jumpers and may escape through surprisingly small openings around plumbing, cords, and overflow boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Paddlefin Wrasse is primarily carnivorous, naturally feeding on suspended plankton, crustaceans, and other small reef-associated invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied captive diet consisting of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, krill, chopped shrimp, clam, squid, other marine seafood, quality frozen carnivore blends, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo to three smaller meals per day are beneficial when practical. This is an active species with a strong feeding response, and a varied diet helps maintain good body condition and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Paddlefin Wrasse is active, assertive, and potentially territorial, particularly as it matures. It is best housed with medium to large marine fish that are confident enough to tolerate its energetic behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid very timid, passive, or exceptionally small tankmates that may be intimidated or outcompeted for food. Particular caution should be used when keeping it with other \u003cem\u003eThalassoma\u003c\/em\u003e wrasses or similarly shaped species, as territorial aggression can become significant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single specimen is the most predictable choice for most aquariums. If other assertive fish are planned, introducing the wrasse later in the stocking sequence can help reduce its opportunity to establish the entire aquarium as its territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Paddlefin Wrasse is generally coral-safe but should be considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe with caution\u003c\/strong\u003e because of its natural predatory behavior toward small invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSPS, LPS, and soft corals are generally not targeted. However, ornamental shrimp, small crabs, small snails, worms, and other mobile invertebrates may be investigated or eaten. The risk typically increases as the fish matures and becomes a more capable predator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor reef aquariums centered around prized ornamental crustaceans or a diverse cleanup crew, this species may not be an appropriate choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–78°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable temperature, salinity, and overall water quality. Consistency is more important than attempting to maintain one exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult coloration differs dramatically from the juvenile pattern, particularly in mature males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a secure aquarium lid because this active wrasse is an accomplished jumper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmple open swimming room is important despite its moderate adult length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrnamental shrimp, small crabs, snails, worms, and other small invertebrates may become prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerritorial and aggressive behavior may increase with maturity, especially toward other wrasses and similarly shaped fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":50785184284970,"sku":"WRAxPadS","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M (3.6-4.5\")","offer_id":50785184317738,"sku":"WRAxPadM","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":50785184350506,"sku":"WRAxPadL","price":176.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL (6.6-7.5\")","offer_id":50971576729898,"sku":"WRAxPadX","price":200.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM (2.6-3.5\")","offer_id":52787725336874,"sku":"WRAxPadSM","price":116.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":52787725369642,"sku":"WRAxPadML","price":176.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Paddlefin-Wrasse.png?v=1790618542","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/paddlefin-wrasse-thalasomma-lucasanum","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}