About Thalassoma quinquevittatum (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
Common Name and Maximum Length
Thalassoma quinquevittatum, commonly called the fivestripe wrasse, can grow to a total length of 17 centimeters (6.7 inches).
General Color Pattern
These are colorful reef fish that have a complex, quite variable color pattern.
Body and Head Markings
The fish's body has a basic green base color marked with longitudinal red or purple stripes, while the head displays various curved purplish lines and spots.
Male Color Change
Males of this species change their color during courtship and when defending their territory.
Interspecific Breeding
This species sometimes interbreeds with Thalassoma duperrey.
Aquarium Trade Presence
Fivestripe wrasses are available in the aquarium trade.
Native Distribution
This species is native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.
Depth Range and Reef Habitat
It lives on shallow coral reefs, found at depths between 1 and 5 meters (3.3 to 16.4 feet).
Preferred Habitat Features
It particularly favors areas with surge channels, abundant algal growth, and Acropora coral plates.
