Cortez Rainbow Wrasse – Thalassoma lucasanum – Medium/Large Adult

The Cortez Rainbow Wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum) is also known as the Mexican Rock Wrasse as a juvenile. The adult has a bluish-purple head and tail, a bright yellow saddle over the shoulder, and the sides are purple.

Wrasses from the Halichoeres and Thalassoma genera are some of the most active in the wrasse group. Most are narrow and torpedo-shaped. While Thalassoma wrasses are often in the upper to mid-water ranges of the aquarium, Halichoeres wrasses are often closer to the substrate or rockwork, especially when young. They also bury themselves in the substrate when resting or threatened. Because of this behavior, Halichoeres wrasses are often confused with some Coris wrasses. Thalassoma wrasses are also sometimes known as \