Lunare Wrasse (Thalassoma Lunare)

The Lunare Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare) is a bold, highly active marine fish known for its striking coloration and dynamic presence. As it matures into a terminal phase male, it develops a brilliant emerald-to-blue body accented with vivid violet head markings and a signature crescent yellow tail fin.

Reaching up to 25–30 cm in length, this fast-swimming predator thrives in large Fish Only With Live Rock systems with abundant rockwork and secure cave structures. Due to its predatory nature toward invertebrates and smaller fish, it is best suited for experienced hobbyists keeping aggressive or semi-aggressive tankmates.

Key Features

Highlights

• Scientific Name: Thalassoma lunare
• Primary Common Name: Lunare Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Moon Wrasse, Lyretail Wrasse, Crescent Wrasse
• Origin: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Australia
• Max Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
• Temperament: Aggressive / Predatory
• Diet: Carnivore (Needs multiple daily feedings)
• Minimum Tank Size: 100+ Gallons (125+ is ideal)
• Reef Compatibility: No (Will eat nearly all ornamental invertebrates and small fish)

Materials & care

• Diet: The Lunare Wrasse is a vigorous carnivore and a natural predator. In the wild, it feeds on benthic invertebrates, crustaceans, and small fish. In the aquarium, it must be fed a variety of high-quality, meaty foods 2-3 times per day to meet its high metabolic demands. This includes frozen mysis shrimp, krill, chopped squid, clam, and high-quality marine pellets.
• Substrate: Unlike many other wrasses, this species typically rests and sleeps by hiding within crevices and caves in the rockwork, not in the sand. A large amount of stable, secure rockwork is necessary for hiding. While not required to burrow, some individuals may still utilize a sandbed if provided.
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe. This wrasse is highly destructive to invertebrates. It will systematically hunt and eat nearly all ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, bristle worms, and even smaller, slower fish that can fit into its mouth. It is generally safe with corals but may knock over unsecured rock or fragments while hunting.
• Temperament: It is aggressive and territorial. It is one of the more boisterous wrasses and should be the last fish introduced to the aquarium. It is compatible only with other large, aggressive, or semi-aggressive fish like triggerfish, groupers, puffers, and large tangs. It should be kept singly unless the tank is extremely large (180+ gallons) and housing a known mated pair.
• Tank Environment: A tight-fitting lid is mandatory. This species is an expert jumper and is prone to leaping out of the tank if startled or excited.

Compatibility

Compatible only with large, semi-aggressive to aggressive species such as triggerfish, groupers, puffers, and large tangs. Not compatible with small fish or ornamental invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs, and snails.

Important Fulfillment Information

Fish and corals ship Monday through Thursday. Not all fish are sexed. If so it will specify.

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Shipping Cost Disclosure

To help keep ordering live fish online affordable, Planted Plus subsidizes a portion of shipping costs. Because these costs are incurred regardless of order completion, shipping charges are non-refundable.