Fun Moon Wrasse Facts For Kids

The wrasse fish family constitutes over 600 species. The 600 species are divided into 81 genera and nine subgroups or tribes. Moon wrasse (Thalassoma lunare) is one among the same family. Moon wrasse (Thalassoma lunare) is found in the Indian ocean and pacific ocean moon wrasse habitat is close to aquariums, tanks, and near coral reefs. They adjust best into tropical to subtropical climates. Moon wrasse is classified as a Least concern species by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature (IUCN) red list. A moon wrasse is a colorful fish species.

Moon wrasse is a carnivorous fish that feeds hon crabs, shells, shrimp. The total length of moon wrasse is 5-9.52 in (12.7-24.2 cm). The moon wrasse is known by popular names including lyretail wrasse or crescent wrasse. The lyretail wrasse can be kept in specific tanks or aquariums as pets. The lyretail wrasse is known to be aggressive fish species specifically males. Although aggressive they can be kept in community tanks with other fish species.

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What type of animal is a moon wrasse?

Moon wrasse is a type of fish that belongs to kingdom Animalia, order labriformes.

What class of animal does a moon wrasse belong to?

Moon wrasse is a fish that belongs to the class Actinopterygii, family Labridae, genus Thalassoma.

How many moon wrasses are there in the world?

Moon wrasses exact population in the world is not known. The moon wrasse fishes are classified as Least concern species by the IUCN.

Where does a moon wrasse live?

Moon wrasse live in aquariums, tanks, sea, and near reefs. They are primarily seen in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific ocean. Moon wrasse location remains the same throughout their range they do not shift and stay within the same range for all times of the year. They adjust best into tropical to subtropical climates.

What is a moon wrasse's habitat?

Moon wrasse's habitat range constitutes aquariums, tanks, sea, and near coral reefs. These fishes are commonly spotted in Tasmanian waters. If the bait is set they are the first to reach the top, meaning they are ambush predators. Males are territorial beings and hence they are seldom seen in the same region. They tend to feed on small crustaceans and invertebrates hence they are not considered reef safe. They adjust best into tropical to subtropical climates.

Who do moon wrasses live with?

Moon wrasse resides with other peaceful fish species. They are ideally aggressive beings and should be kept in a large tank with adequate space. Males tend to be more territorial hence it's essential to keep them spaced out.

How long does a moon wrasse live?

Moon wrasse life expectancy in captivity is up to a decade. In the wild, their exact life expectancy is not evaluated. They mostly reside near the Indo-Pacific range.

How do they reproduce?

These fishes are polygynous and may mate with multiple mates throughout their lifetime. Spawning may occur between two fishes or in groups of one male and several females. The eggs develop usually in a secluded area away from the sight of predators. Fish eggs laid usually stick to to the ground. Males have harem females which they guard against other males to prevent mating. This prevents females from switching to other males. The young develop themselves, these adult fish are not particularly involved in raising their young.

What is their conservation status?

Green moon wrasse is classified as a Least concern species by the IUCN red list of threatened species. They are spotted close to the Indo-Pacific range and you could access their range map and other related information on the IUCN red list website.

What do moon wrasses look like?

The moon wrasse has a dark green to blue-colored body with soft purple markings on each scale. Their head is green to blue with irregular violet to pink stripes. The pink stripes are not prominent. Their pectoral fins have an elongated red dot. The wrasse retains the overall essence of their juvenile coloration. Juveniles possess a dark spot on their caudal fin and mid-dorsal fin whereas adults can be recognized by their yellow crescent which is easily spotted near their caudal fin. The black spot is in the middle of the dorsal fin and a black blotch is on the caudal fin base. Males usually possess one of the most striking colors. Their caudal fins and tail is crescent-shaped like a moon hence their name moon wrasses. Moon wrasse tail is mostly green.

How cute are they?

These fishes are extremely cute and attractive in appearance. Juveniles have a black spot in the middle of the dorsal fin and a black blotch on their caudal fin. They are attractive pets that can be kept in large tanks or aquariums. Males tend to become aggressive, however if they are kept spaced out they adjust well to the same and have a moderate temperament.

How do they communicate?

They primarily communicate to other species of their own kind through body language. This includes the frequent moving of their head from one side to another. They also communicate using signals which are communicated using pheromones.

How big is a moon wrasse?

Moon wrasse length is 5-9.52 in (12.7-24.2 cm) which is four times bigger than the neon tetra which is 1.5 in (4 cm).

How fast can a moon wrasse swim?

Moon wrasse may be found on the reef, sandy areas, and between corals. They are aggressive beings and instantly attracted to food. When kept as a pet, they have the possibility to jump out of the tank if they get the chance to. Their exact swimming speed is not evaluated.

How much does a moon wrasse weigh?

Moon wrasse weigh 0.05-0.27 lb (24.2-123.4 g) in size. The humphead wrasse is the largest species in the family.

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male and female moon wrasse are not addressed differently. They differ in reproductive functions.

What would you call a baby moon wrasse?

A baby moon wrasse is usually called fry and is small. Juveniles possess a dark spot on their caudal fin and mid-dorsal fin, whereas adults can be recognized by their yellow crescent which is easily spotted near their caudal fin. Juveniles have a minimum diet requirement and feed on flake and pellet food as well.

What do they eat?

Moon wrasse diet is primarily a carnivore and feeds on crab, shells, shrimp, and snail offspring as food. They eat food at different times of the day. They become territorial and may become aggressive if kept in a tank size less than 75 gallons.

Are they dangerous?

No, these fishes pose no threat to humans however, they can be aggressive towards other fish species if kept in tanks 75 gallons or less. They are mostly spotted in the indo pacific region. This fish is aggressive within the tank if kept in captivity.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, they are easy to keep and accommodative to what you feed them as they have a wide diet range. It might be hard for those who are considering adoption for the first time as they require moderate care. They feed on small crustaceans and invertebrates. They can eat frozen dried shrimp as a pet and other frozen invertebrates. Its ideal to keep more females as compared to males since males tend to become territorial and are not ideally peaceful beings. They accommodate other fish species within the tank, but ensure to keep them with similar-sized species as long as you can.

The tank or aquarium size should ideally be large and resemble their natural environment. Ideally a tank of 75 gallons or more. Moon wrasse ocean adaptation techniques are quick and easy. When they sense a threat they immediately hide. They may require to bury themselves underwater and may come out only when they feel it safe. You cannot introduce other large or small species of fish once you introduce them as these beings are territorial, hence ensure you introduce these species last.

Did you know...

Yellow moon wrasse is another blue and yellow-colored fish species. The yellow and blue colored fish species are endemic to the Pacific and other regions. A unique and magical ability the yellow moon wrasse yellow and blue in color possess is to be able to change color with age.

Sailfish, marlin, and swordfish are the fastest marine fish in the ocean. They usually are seen in environments away from reef environments. Marine fish is also called seawater fishes. Such marine fishes can be alone as well as in a large group. Marine fish usually drink water, unlike freshwater fishes that do not actively drink water. Marine fishes lack the ability to absorb water through their skin or gills.

What adaptations do moon wrasse have?

Adaptation techniques from the moon wrasse include their wide food range. These fishes primarily require a high quality of flake or pellet foods since they are top predators. Moon wrasse ocean adaptations also include that they have a streamlined body which helps them facilitate movement if they sense any threat they instantly hide.

Moon wrasse adaptations mean that they are active beings and they are opportunistic and active beings. If a male senses threat to its territory they usually pose threat towards species of similar size however, it does not attack species bigger than them. These aggressive beings should be the last to be introduced into a tank. They tend to pose threat to reef environments if they find food within reef environments.

If you love the sea or the ocean you could join and call yourself a thalassophile. This is a Greek word that means someone who loves the sea or ocean. If you are someone who cares about marine life then you could join organizations or conservation centers.

How many fins does a moon wrasse have?

Moon wrasse species have multiple fin's on their body. Major fin's include their dorsal and caudal fin's. Their tails and caudal fin's are shaped like a moon hence they are called moon wrasse. They have anal fin's as well. These fish live within a tank or an aquarium. They use their fin's for movement from one location to another.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these pumpkinseed sunfish facts and black ghost knifefish facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable moon wrasse colouring pages.