Ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo)

Scientific name: Thalassoma pavo Linnaeus, 1758

The Ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) is a marine fish of the family Labridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 18–22°C (64–72°F). Native range: Eastern Atlantic, Portugal to south of Cape Lopez, Gabon and including the islands of Azores, Madeira, Canary, S?o Tom? and Annobon. Also in the Mediterranean.

Ornate wrasse care at a glance

Temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F)

Biology

Inhabits coastal waters near rocks and eel-grass beds. Usually solitary, sometimes in small groups. Feeds on small mollusks and crustaceans. Protogynous hermaphrodite, with distinct sexual dichromatism. Eggs are pelagic.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Thalassoma pavo
Family: Labridae (Wrasses)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 25.0
Common length: 20.0
Depth range: 1–150 m (3–492 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 150 m, usually 1 - 50 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to south of Cape Lopez, Gabon and including the islands of Azores, Madeira, Canary, S?o Tom? and Annobon. Also in the Mediterranean.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)