Sunset Wrasse – Thalassoma lutescens

The beautiful Sunset Wrasse (Thalassoma lutescens) features a pink head with wide green stripes and a blue-green body that fades to yellow-green towards the tail. The pectoral fins have a splash of bright yellow and blue edges. The tail is edged in pink. Younger individuals may be more yellow.

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 \