{"product_id":"barred-thicklip-wrasse-hemigymnus-fasciatus","title":"Barred Thicklip Wrasse - Hemigymnus fasciatus","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBarred Thicklip Wrasse (Hemigymnus fasciatus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Barred Thicklip Wrasse (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHemigymnus fasciatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is a distinctive Indo-Pacific marine wrasse recognised by its thick lips, bold pale body bands and colourful blue, pink, yellow and green facial markings. Also known as the Fiveband Wrasse or Banded Thicklip, it changes dramatically as it matures, with dark, secretive juveniles developing into powerful and highly active adults. Its unusual sand-sifting feeding behaviour makes it fascinating to observe, but its substantial adult size and appetite for crustaceans, molluscs and echinoderms make it best suited to a large fish-only or carefully planned marine aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarred Thicklip Wrasse, Barred Thicklip, Fiveband Wrasse, Five-Banded Wrasse, Banded Thicklip, Barred Wrasse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHemigymnus fasciatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUp to approximately 30 cm in total length. Juveniles are often offered at a much smaller size but develop into deep-bodied, powerful adults requiring generous permanent accommodation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidely distributed throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, excluding the Red Sea, from East Africa across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia to northern Australia and numerous western and central Pacific islands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt inhabits sheltered coral reefs, reef flats and areas containing sand or mixed sand-and-rubble substrate, generally from shallow water to depths of approximately 30 metres. Adults are commonly encountered alone or in small groups, while juveniles remain close to shelter and may associate with long-spined sea urchins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: 1.020–1.025 SG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSemi-aggressive and increasingly assertive as it matures. Juveniles may initially appear peaceful, but adults can intimidate smaller, timid or slow-feeding fish and may become territorial towards other large wrasses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt should be maintained with robust marine fish of a suitable size. Avoid very small fish, delicate bottom dwellers and similarly shaped wrasses unless the aquarium is exceptionally spacious.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA carnivorous bottom feeder that naturally consumes shrimps, crabs, snails, bivalves, brittle stars, sea urchins and other benthic invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Barred Thicklip Wrasse frequently takes mouthfuls of sand and rubble, separates edible prey within its mouth and throat, and releases the remaining substrate through its gill openings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer a varied diet of chopped prawn, mussel, clam, cockle, squid, krill, mysis shrimp and other marine-origin foods. Hard-shelled marine foods provide useful enrichment and encourage natural feeding behaviour. Feed at least twice daily, with growing juveniles benefiting from several smaller meals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 750 litres is recommended for long-term care, with a tank length of at least 180 cm preferred.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA larger aquarium is advisable when keeping the fish with other substantial wrasses or active territorial species. A wide footprint with extensive open substrate is particularly important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn active daytime fish that spends much of its time swimming close to the substrate and searching sand, rubble and rockwork for hidden prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults may take large mouthfuls of sand, sift out small animals and expel the remaining substrate through the mouth or gill openings. This can produce clouds of sediment and may deposit sand onto nearby corals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuveniles are dark brown with several narrow pale bars and light markings radiating from the eyes. Females and mature males develop broader contrasting body bands and colourful facial markings, while large males may display green-tinted bars, yellow fin markings and darker coloration around the head.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species can change sex, with dominant females potentially transitioning into mature males.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe with Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Barred Thicklip Wrasse does not normally target healthy coral tissue, but it is a powerful predator of mobile reef invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrnamental shrimps, crabs, hermit crabs, snails, clams, brittle stars, sea urchins, worms and other benthic animals may be eaten. Its sand-sifting behaviour can also bury low-positioned corals and move unsecured coral pieces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is best suited to a fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium or a robust reef system where losses among the clean-up crew and sand-bed fauna can be accepted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a broad area of fine to medium marine sand that allows the fish to sift and bury naturally without damaging its mouth, gills or scales. Avoid sharp coral gravel and excessively coarse substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRockwork must be stable and positioned directly on the aquarium base or secure supports. The wrasse may move substrate and disturb loose structures while searching for prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA tightly fitted aquarium cover is essential. Large wrasses are powerful jumpers and may escape through gaps around cables, pipework, feeding openings and overflow boxes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide powerful biological filtration, efficient protein skimming, strong water movement and excellent oxygenation. This active carnivore produces a considerable waste load and may suspend sediment while feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid ornamental crustaceans, echinoderms and molluscs. Compatibility risks increase significantly as the fish grows and develops stronger jaws.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelect an alert specimen with clear eyes, intact lips and a rounded body profile. Mouth or lip damage caused during collection and transport can prevent normal feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wrasse may be shy immediately after introduction or remain buried temporarily. Provide sheltered caves and visual barriers while retaining extensive open swimming and foraging space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA carefully managed quarantine period is recommended. Include a container of suitable soft sand and monitor treatment closely, as wrasses can react poorly to rapid salinity changes, low oxygen levels and aggressive medication regimes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExperienced fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare or occasional in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46933694415021,"sku":"AG-104196","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46933694447789,"sku":"AG-104197","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46933694480557,"sku":"AG-104198","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/BarredThicklipWrasse-Hemigymnusfasciatus.jpg?v=1785246335","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/barred-thicklip-wrasse-hemigymnus-fasciatus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}