Paddlefin Wrasse: Male

The Paddlefin Wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum), also known as the Cortez Rainbow Wrasse, is common among the waters of the Western United States and Mexico. Males have a vibrant pink or purple body with a yellow-banded neck, and a green or blue head, while females and juveniles have horizontal black and yellow stripes with a lower pink stipe above the belly. They reach a maximum size of 6 inches and should be monitored around crustaceans, as they tend to feed on shrimp and crab. They should be kept with fish of similar temperament, and may be aggressive towards similar species. A lid is recommended, as they are known to jump out of rimless aquariums. Their diet consists of mysis, krill and other invertebrates and they should be fed 2-3 times a day.