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Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse (Thalassoma loxum) — Labridae

Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse

Thalassoma loxum
Family: Labridae

The Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse (Thalassoma loxum) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–2.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Oman

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Description

The eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from reef and rocky water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate body that changes colour with age: juveniles are striped, old males green-blue with pink and yellow bands. As a day-active, fast swimmer it picks small crustaceans, molluscs and worms from reef and bottom. Like many wrasses a female can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse?

The Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly green.

Where does the Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse live?

The Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Oman

How big does the Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse get?

The Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse (Thalassoma loxum) — Labridae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse (Thalassoma loxum) — Labridae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse (Thalassoma loxum) — Labridae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse (Thalassoma loxum) — Labridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Julien Renoult, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Eastern Pacific rainbow wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Thalassoma loxum
Family
Labridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
2.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Oman sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Thalassoma

More from the family Labridae

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