{"product_id":"lunar-wrasse-thalassoma-lunare","title":"Lunar Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Lunar Wrasse, also known as the Moon Wrasse or Lyretail Wrasse, is one of the most striking and bulletproof wrasses available in the hobby. Terminal phase males are a riot of colour: a vivid blue-green body overlaid with intricate pink and violet facial markings, bright accents on the pectoral fins, and the fish's most iconic feature, a brilliant yellow crescent-shaped caudal fin that gives it both its common names. Juveniles are more subdued, showing a green and blue body with a dark dorsal spot and a black blotch at the tail base that transforms into that yellow crescent as the fish matures. Hardy, active, and endlessly entertaining to watch, the Lunar Wrasse is a natural choice for larger FOWLR systems, but it demands respect: this is an assertive, high-energy fish that will run the show in any tank it calls home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy we love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the most vividly coloured wrasses in the trade, with a colour transformation from juvenile to adult that rivals any fish in the hobby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptionally hardy once established, with a strong tolerance for the kind of water fluctuations that would stress more delicate species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA known hunter of bristleworms and mantis shrimp, making it genuinely useful in systems where these pests are a concern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh metabolic rate and constant motion make it one of the most engaging and active display fish available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide natural distribution across the Indo-Pacific means healthy, well-conditioned specimens are regularly available in the trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSuggested parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 23–26°C (72–78°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalinity: 1.020–1.025 SG\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNitrate: Under 30 ppm; strong biological filtration is essential given this species' high bioload\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and temperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDifficulty: Easy to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Aggressive. Once established, the Lunar Wrasse will defend its territory assertively and may harass new additions to the tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef safe: No. Will actively hunt ornamental shrimp, small crabs, hermit crabs, and other motile invertebrates. Corals are generally left alone, but this fish is not suitable for stocked reef systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum tank size: 125 gallons, with generous open swimming space being as important as raw volume; 150 gallons or larger is preferred for long-term keeping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lunar Wrasse is an enthusiastic, unfussy carnivore with a high metabolism that needs to be matched with regular, substantial feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp as the dietary foundation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChopped clams, krill, squid, and other meaty marine preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality carnivore pellets and flake foods accepted readily once settled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoaking frozen foods in a vitamin and HUFA supplement is recommended given the species' activity level and fast metabolism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed 2 to 3 times per day; this is not a fish that should be fed lightly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility and tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest kept alongside bold, assertive fish that can hold their own: triggerfish, pufferfish, larger angelfish, lionfish, and robust tangs are all suitable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShould be the last fish added to the aquarium; once established it will aggressively challenge any new introductions and may make life very difficult for newcomers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly one male per system; males will fight intensely with other terminal phase males\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot suitable for tanks with ornamental shrimp, small crabs, hermit crabs, or similarly sized peaceful fish that may be bullied or predated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJuvenile specimens are considerably less aggressive than adults, but boldness increases steadily with size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHealth and acclimation notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lunar Wrasse is one of the most durable wrasses in the hobby and typically begins feeding within hours of introduction. It does not need a sand bed to thrive, unlike many wrasse species, though it will occasionally use one for sleeping or when startled. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely non-negotiable: this is a fast, powerful swimmer and an accomplished jumper. Strong circulation and efficient protein skimming are important given its high metabolic output and bioload. Quarantine is always recommended before introduction into an established display. Because this species can live close to a decade in captivity with proper care, it pays to invest in setup conditions that support long-term health from the start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are buying\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will receive: 1 Lunar Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColour and pattern vary considerably between individuals and by region of origin; terminal phase males display the brightest colouration and the characteristic yellow crescent tail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJuveniles and initial phase fish will develop more intense colouration as they mature and settle into stable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease see size options at checkout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Little Shop of Coral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53462101754129,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/5196\/6737\/files\/LUNARWRASSEThalassomalunare.png?v=1777152835","url":"https:\/\/littleshopofcoral.ca\/products\/lunar-wrasse-thalassoma-lunare","provider":"Little Shop of Coral","version":"1.0","type":"link"}