Bluntheaded wrasse (Thalassoma amblycephalum)

Scientific name: Thalassoma amblycephalum Bleeker, 1856

The Bluntheaded wrasse (Thalassoma amblycephalum) is a marine fish of the family Labridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F).

Bluntheaded wrasse care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11. Juveniles easily identified by the color pattern and rounded snout. Males become brightly colored and head usually green with a yellow band following on the body. Head naked, no scales dorsally on opercle. Initial phase with a broad blackish stripe from snout through eye to caudal-fin base (Ref 9823).

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Thalassoma amblycephalum
Family: Labridae (Wrasses)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 16.0
Depth range: 1–15 m (3–49 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 15 m, usually 1 - 15 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Somalia and South Africa to the Line, Marquesan, and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals, northern New Zealand and Lord Howe and Rapa islands.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)