Banana Wrasse (Male)

Also known as Sunset Wrasse (Male), Terminal Phase Banana Wrasse

The male Banana Wrasse (terminal phase) is a spectacular species featuring intense yellow-orange to golden coloration with dramatic blue-green facial markings, vertical bars, and vibrant finnage. Males are larger, more brilliantly colored, and significantly more aggressive than females. This stunning, extremely active wrasse creates a visual centerpiece but requires substantial space and careful tankmate selection due to territorial behavior. Males can dominate tanks and will harass peaceful or passive fish relentlessly.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Thalassoma lutescens
• Common Names: Banana Wrasse (Male), Sunset Wrasse, Terminal Phase Yellow Wrasse
• Adult Size: Up to 10-12 inches
• Lifespan: 10-15 years with proper care
• Temperament: Aggressive; highly territorial
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe with caution; may harass peaceful fish severely
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced; aggression requires careful management

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires a very large tank with extensive open swimming space. Extremely active swimmers needing substantial room for constant patrolling. Provide rockwork with caves but prioritize massive open water areas. Very strong water flow was appreciated. Deep sand bed (2-3 inches) for burying behavior.

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:

• High-capacity filtration system
• Protein skimmer
• Very strong water circulation (5,000+ GPH)
• Secure, tight-fitting lid (excellent jumper)
• Sand substrate mandatory

These support this extremely active, aggressive wrasse.

Diet & Feeding

Male Banana Wrasses are carnivores with voracious appetites.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen mysis shrimp, frozen krill, frozen squid
• Variety: Chopped seafood, chopped clams, scallops, marine fish
• Quality: High-protein foods for very active metabolism
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched foods regularly

Feeding Frequency: 1-2 times daily; hearty portions

Special Note: Extremely aggressive feeder; dominates all feeding sessions. Will prevent other fish from eating through intimidation and speed. Target feeding other tankmates is often necessary. May steal food directly from other fish.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Only with other large, robust, semi-aggressive to aggressive fish
• Highly Aggressive: Extremely territorial, especially toward other wrasses
• Relentless Chaser: Will harass passive or peaceful fish constantly
• Dominance: Typically becomes alpha fish, controlling entire tank territory
• Stress Inducer: Can cause severe stress or death to incompatible tankmates

Notes & Considerations

• Absolutely spectacular terminal phase coloration: Intense yellow-orange to golden body.
• Dramatic blue-green facial markings and vertical bars on the body.
• Vibrant blue accents on fins and tail.
• Terminal phase (male) coloration is breathtaking.
• Males are significantly more colorful than females.
• One of the most beautiful Thalassoma species when in full color.
• Extremely active swimmer: Requires massive open swimming space.
• In constant high-speed motion during all daylight hours.
• Patrols entire tank territory continuously at very high speed.
• Never stops moving except when sleeping; perpetual motion machine.
• One of the most active fish species available.
• Insufficient space causes extreme stress, increased aggression, and health decline.
• Highly aggressive and territorial: Especially toward other wrasses and passive fish.
• Will chase, harass, and intimidate peaceful or semi-aggressive tankmates.
• Relentless chaser; never gives up pursuing perceived threats.
• May prevent other fish from feeding through aggression and food stealing.
• Can cause severe stress leading to disease or death in peaceful fish.
• Best with other large, aggressive, fast-moving species only.
• Suitable tankmates: large triggers, aggressive wrasses, large tangs, groupers.
• May even harass semi-aggressive fish in undersized systems.
• Completely dominates feeding time: Lightning-fast feeder.
• Will eat most food before other fish can react.
• Other tankmates may require separate target feeding to prevent starvation.
• Generally leaves corals alone; aggression focused entirely on fish.
• Will eat small ornamental shrimp if present.
• Reef-safe regarding corals but fish harassment is a major concern.
• Not suitable for peaceful reef community aquariums.
• Excellent jumper: Absolutely secure lid with no gaps is critical.
• Very high jump risk due to extreme activity level and speed.
• Many specimens were lost to carpet surfing despite warnings.
• Buries completely in sand at night for sleeping.
• Sand burial is normal nightly behavior; requires adequate depth (2-3 inches minimum).
• May bury when startled or stressed during acclimation.
• Very hardy and disease-resistant once established.
• Adapts quickly to aquarium life.
• Excellent appetite; rarely refuses food.
• Can grow rapidly with proper feeding.
• Native to Indo-Pacific coral reef regions.
• Terminal phase males are less commonly available than females.
• Commands moderate to premium pricing for quality specimens.
• Spectacular to watch but extremely challenging to house properly.
• Only suitable for large aggressive fish-only 
• Absolutely not recommended for peaceful community tanks.
• Requires experienced aquarist who understands managing aggressive fish dynamics.
• Can live 10-15 years with proper care and appropriate tankmates.
• Long-term commitment to managing a dominant, aggressive fish.

Why Choose a Quarantined Banana Wrasse (Male)?

Purchasing a quarantined male specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, properly acclimated wrasse. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and confirmed as robust feeders before sale. Given the highly aggressive nature and extreme activity level of terminal phase males, proper quarantine allows careful assessment of temperament and ensures the fish is in optimal condition before introduction to your display. Our quarantine process provides valuable information about individual aggression levels. This provides the best foundation for managing this beautiful but very challenging species.