The surge wrasse (Thalassoma purpureum) is a vibrant fish species commonly found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known for its striking coloration, adults have a greenish-blue body with bright pink and yellow markings, including distinctive red and blue bands around their eyes. These fish thrive in coral reef habitats, particularly in areas with strong wave action, where they use the surge of water to navigate and forage—hence the name “surge” wrasse.
Surge wrasses are diurnal and highly active during the day, feeding on a diet that includes small invertebrates, crustaceans, and occasionally algae. They use their strong jaws to break through the shells of prey, making them effective reef foragers. They are also known to play a part in reef cleaning, eating parasites off other fish.
Interestingly, surge wrasses exhibit sequential hermaphroditism, meaning they start life as females and, in many cases, change to males as they mature. This transition often correlates with the establishment of social hierarchies in which dominant males guard territories and groups of females.
This specimen is 2.5″
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