Goldbar Wrasse - Thalassoma hebraicum

Goldbar Wrasse (Thalassoma hebraicum)

The Goldbar Wrasse is a bold and highly active marine wrasse recognised for its vibrant green to blue body, contrasting dark markings and distinctive golden-yellow banding. Juveniles and adults can differ considerably in appearance, with mature individuals developing stronger colouration and a more powerful body shape. Energetic, intelligent and predatory, this species is best suited to large marine aquariums with robust tankmates, secure rockwork and plenty of open swimming space.

Common Name:
Goldbar Wrasse, Gold Bar Wrasse

Scientific Name (Latin):
Thalassoma hebraicum

Maximum Size:
Approximately 23 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Goldbar Wrasse occurs in the western Indian Ocean and is associated with coral reefs, rocky reef environments, lagoons and seaward reef slopes.

It typically inhabits areas with a mixture of open swimming space, rockwork, coral structure and sandy substrate where it can forage actively for prey.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive / Predatory

The Goldbar Wrasse is confident, fast-moving and increasingly assertive as it matures.

It is best kept with robust marine fish that can tolerate its active behaviour. Small, timid or very passive species may be intimidated, particularly in restricted aquarium space.

Diet:
Carnivore / Predatory

The Goldbar Wrasse feeds on a variety of small marine animals including crustaceans, molluscs and other benthic invertebrates.

In the aquarium, offer a varied carnivorous diet including frozen mysis, krill, chopped prawn, mussel, cockle, squid and other suitably sized marine foods.

Quality carnivore pellets may also be accepted once established.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 400 litres

Its active swimming style and robust adult size mean the Goldbar Wrasse requires substantial horizontal swimming space alongside secure rockwork and shelter.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Goldbar Wrasse is an energetic daytime swimmer that spends much of its time moving rapidly around the aquarium and investigating rockwork for food.

Provide plenty of open swimming room alongside caves, overhangs and secure reef structure.

A suitable sandy area is beneficial, particularly for resting and natural behaviour.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is essential, as Thalassoma wrasses are powerful and accomplished jumpers.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Goldbar Wrasse should not be considered reef safe with ornamental invertebrates.

Shrimp, crabs, snails, worms and other small mobile invertebrates may be hunted or consumed.

Although it does not primarily feed on coral tissue, its predatory feeding behaviour makes it unsuitable for conventional reef aquariums containing valuable clean-up crew animals.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a large, mature marine aquarium with plenty of open swimming space and securely positioned rockwork.

This is a highly active wrasse and should not be confined to a small or heavily restricted aquarium.

Avoid housing it with very timid fish or small ornamental crustaceans.

A secure lid is essential because this species can jump when startled.

Strong filtration and good oxygenation are important, particularly as mature individuals are energetic feeders and can create a significant biological load.

As with many Thalassoma wrasses, colouration and body pattern can change substantially as the fish matures.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All 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.