The Five-lined Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum), also known as the “Pink-belly Wrasse,” is a colorful marine fish known for the five distinct horizontal lines that run along its body. These vibrant fish are found in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Hawaii, often inhabiting coral reefs and rocky lagoons.
Coloration: The Five-lined Wrasse has a stunning body pattern of five blue or purple lines running horizontally along a green, yellow, or reddish background. Their belly often has a pinkish hue, especially in males.
Size: They usually grow up to 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) in length.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females can look slightly different, with males showing more intense coloration, especially during breeding.
Five-lined Wrasses are highly active and curious swimmers. They are known to dart around coral formations and often interact with other fish in the reef environment. They are carnivorous, feeding on small crustaceans, invertebrates, and plankton.
