Gold Bar Wrasse (Thalassoma Hebraicum)

The Gold Bar Wrasse (Thalassoma hebraicum) is a vibrant and dynamic addition to large marine aquariums, known for its bold personality and striking coloration. Its distinctive vertical gold bar clearly demarcates an olive-gold, blue-veined head from its rich bluish body, creating an eye-catching focal point as it actively patrols the tank.

Ideal for experienced hobbyists, this energetic carnivore thrives in spacious fish-only or robust mixed-species setups. Because it reaches up to 23 cm in length and maintains an active lifestyle, it should be housed with other semi-aggressive fish alongside a deep sand bed and a secure tank lid.

Key Features

Highlights

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Thalassoma hebraicum
• Primary Common Name: Gold Bar Wrasse
• Origin: Western Indian Ocean (East Africa to Sri Lanka)
• Max Size: 9 inches (23 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to Aggressive
• Diet: Carnivore (Needs frequent feedings)
• Minimum Tank Size: 125+ Gallons Recommended
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Preys on small invertebrates)

Materials & care

Care & Compatibility

• Size: This wrasse reaches an adult size of approximately 9 inches (23 cm). Its large size and high activity level necessitate a spacious environment.
• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons is often cited, but due to its high activity and eventual size, a tank of 125 gallons or more is strongly recommended to provide adequate swimming space and prevent aggression.
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to Aggressive. It is a bold, energetic species that should be kept with other robust fish of similar size and temperament, such as larger Tangs, Triggerfish, and Angelfish. It should generally be kept as the only Thalassoma species in the tank, as it can be highly territorial toward similar wrasses.
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution. While this wrasse generally leaves most corals alone, it is a predator of small invertebrates. It will actively search and prey on smaller ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs, and perhaps even small fish that fit in its mouth. It is not suitable for a tank relying on an invert cleanup crew.
• Diet: Carnivore. As a highly active fish with a fast metabolism, it requires frequent feeding—at least 2-3 times daily—with a variety of enriched, meaty foods. This includes frozen mysis shrimp, krill, chopped clam, chopped squid, and high-quality marine pellets.
• Tank Requirements:
  • Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential, as all Thalassoma species are notorious jumpers.
  • Substrate: A minimum of a 2-inch deep bed of fine sand should be provided, as this wrasse will occasionally burrow into the sand to sleep at night or if threatened.

Compatibility

Compatible with robust, semi-aggressive fish of similar size such as larger tangs, triggerfish, and angelfish. Avoid housing with smaller fish, cleanup crew invertebrates, or other Thalassoma wrasse species due to territorial behavior.

Important Fulfillment Information

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