Banana Wrasse (Female)

Also known as Sunset Wrasse (Female), Yellow Wrasse

The female Banana Wrasse is an attractive, peaceful species featuring a yellow to yellow-orange body with a streamlined shape and elegant finnage. Females are smaller, less intensely colored, and significantly less aggressive than males, making them excellent choices for community reef aquariums. This active, hardy wrasse is constantly on the move, providing entertainment and natural pest control. Their peaceful nature and manageable size make them suitable for a wider range of systems than male specimens.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Thalassoma lutescens
• Common Names: Banana Wrasse (Female), Sunset Wrasse, Yellow Wrasse
• Adult Size: Up to 8-10 inches (females typically smaller than males)
• Lifespan: 8-12 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; much calmer than males
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe; may eat small ornamental shrimp
• Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate; very active swimmer

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires large tank with substantial open swimming space for constant patrolling. A very active swimmer needing room to move. Provide rockwork with caves but prioritize open water areas. Strong water flow was appreciated. Deep sand bed (2-3 inches) essential for nighttime burying.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Good water quality essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• Quality filtration system
• Protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation
• Secure, tight-fitting lid (excellent jumper)
• Sand substrate mandatory

These support this active wrasse’s high energy lifestyle.

Diet & Feeding

Female Banana Wrasses are carnivores with healthy appetites.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen mysis shrimp, frozen krill, frozen brine shrimp (enriched)
• Variety: Chopped seafood, chopped clams, scallops, marine flesh
• Quality: High-protein foods for active metabolism
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched foods weekly

Feeding Frequency: 1-2 times daily

Special Note: Active metabolism requires regular feeding. Good appetite but less dominating at feeding time than males. Will help control bristleworms and flatworms through natural grazing behavior.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Compatible with most peaceful to semi-aggressive fish
• Peaceful Nature: Significantly less aggressive than male counterparts
• May Chase: Occasional chasing of smaller wrasses but generally peaceful
• Community Safe: Excellent for reef community aquariums
• Reef Behavior: May eat small ornamental shrimp; safe with corals

Notes & Considerations

• Attractive yellow to yellow-orange coloration throughout the body.
• Bright, cheerful appearance; reminiscent of ripe banana (hence common name).
• Streamlined, torpedo-shaped body built for constant swimming.
• Females less boldly colored than terminal phase males.
• Much less aggressive than males: Excellent for community tanks.
• Generally peaceful toward dissimilar fish species.
• May occasionally chase smaller or more passive wrasses.
• Far more manageable than aggressive male Thalassoma species.
• Very active swimmer: Constantly patrols tanks during daylight hours.
• In constant motion; rarely sits still except when sleeping.
• Requires substantial open swimming space to thrive.
• Insufficient space causes stress and potential aggression increase.
• Entertains through constant activity and curiosity.
• Will investigate all areas of the tank throughout the day.
• Provides natural pest control: consumes bristleworms, flatworms, small pests.
• May nip at small ornamental shrimp if hungry (cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp).
• Generally leaves larger shrimp species alone.
• Completely safe with all corals; does not nip or damage polyps.
• Good choice for reef aquariums with appropriate fish selection.
• Excellent jumper: Tight-fitting lid with no gaps absolutely essential.
• Very high jump risk due to constant activity and speed.
• Many specimens were lost to carpet surfing without a proper lid.
• Buries completely in sand at night for sleeping.
• Sand burial is normal nightly behavior; disappears completely.
• Requires adequate sand depth (2-3 inches minimum) for this behavior.
• May also bury when startled or stressed (normal defense mechanism).
• Very hardy and disease-resistant once established.
• Adapts quickly to aquarium life and prepared foods.
• Excellent appetite; readily accepts most foods.
• Can grow steadily with proper nutrition.
• Native to Indo-Pacific coral reef regions.
• Moderately available in aquarium trade.
• Less expensive than many other wrasse species.
• Excellent value: hardy, active, peaceful, and attractive.
• Good choice for aquarists wanting active wrasse without extreme aggression.
• Suitable for larger community reef or FOWLR systems.
• Can live 8-12 years with proper care.
• Long-term companion providing constant entertainment.

Why Choose a Quarantined Banana Wrasse (Female)?

Purchasing a quarantined female specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, well-acclimated wrasse. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and confirmed as excellent feeders before sale. Females are significantly more peaceful than males, making them ideal for community systems. Proper quarantine ensures smooth integration with existing tankmates and eliminates introduction of parasites or disease. This provides the strongest foundation for long-term success with this active and entertaining species. A secure lid is absolutely mandatory to prevent jumping.