Fin's Fish Guide
The Cortez rainbow wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 15 cm.
Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Panama and the Galápagos.
Description
The Cortez rainbow wrasse is a colourful wrasse of the family Labridae from the eastern Pacific. The species has a streamlined body with blue, red and yellow bands and reaches about 15 cm. It forms small to large groups over reefs and feeds on suspended plankton and small hard-shelled invertebrates; juveniles sometimes pick parasites from other fishes. Like many wrasses the species is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as females and may later change into males, with a different colour pattern. The species is not used for human consumption.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cortez rainbow wrasse?
The Cortez rainbow wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Colourful wrasse; protogynous hermaphrodite; juveniles sometimes clean other fishes.
Where does the Cortez rainbow wrasse live?
The Cortez rainbow wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Panama and the Galápagos.
How big does the Cortez rainbow wrasse get?
The Cortez rainbow wrasse grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Cortez rainbow wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Cortez rainbow wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cortez rainbow wrasse edible?
The Cortez rainbow wrasse is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Thalassoma
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Cortez rainbow wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cortez rainbow wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.