Lunare Wrasse

Also known as Moon Wrasse, Lyretail Wrasse, Crescent-Tail Wrasse

The Lunare Wrasse is a large, active, and beautiful species featuring green body coloration with distinctive pink to red markings on the face, a characteristic lunate (crescent-shaped) tail, and elegant finnage. Juveniles display different coloration with yellow and white markings. This hardy, bold wrasse is popular for large fish-only systems but requires substantial space and careful tankmate selection due to its aggressive nature as it matures. Highly active and entertaining, but not suitable for peaceful communities.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Thalassoma lunare
• Common Names: Lunare Wrasse, Moon Wrasse, Lyretail Wrasse
• Adult Size: Up to 10-12 inches
• Lifespan: 10-15 years with proper care
• Temperament: Aggressive; becomes increasingly territorial with age
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe with caution; may harass small fish but generally ignores corals
• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons strongly preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced; aggression requires careful management

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires a very large tank with extensive open swimming space. This is an extremely active swimmer requiring substantial room. Provide rockwork with caves but prioritize open water. Strong water flow was appreciated. Deep sand bed (2-3 inches) for sleeping/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:

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

These support this extremely active, large wrasse.

Diet & Feeding

Lunare Wrasses are carnivores with voracious appetites.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen mysis shrimp, frozen krill, frozen squid, chopped seafood
• Variety: Chopped clams, scallops, marine fish, marine flesh
• Hard-shelled foods: Occasional snails, small crabs, shrimp with shells
• Quality: High-protein foods for active metabolism

Feeding Frequency: 1-2 times daily; hearty portions

Special Note: Very aggressive feeder; will dominate feeding time. May need target feeding for other tankmates. Excellent appetite; rarely refuses food.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Only with other large, robust, aggressive fish
• Highly Aggressive: Becomes increasingly territorial and aggressive with maturity
• Harasses Peaceful Fish: Will relentlessly chase and stress peaceful species
• Predatory: May eat very small fish
• Dominance: Often becomes alpha fish in tank, controlling feeding and territory

Notes & Considerations

• Large, beautiful species with green bodies and pink-red facial markings.
• The distinctive lunate (crescent-shaped) tail gives species its name.
• Juveniles have completely different appearance: yellow body with white markings.
• Transformation from juvenile to adult pattern occurs over 12-18 months.
• Intermediate stages show a mixture of juvenile and adult coloration.
• Extremely active swimmer: Requires massive open swimming space.
• Constantly patrols the entire tank at high speed.
• One of the most active wrasse species; never stops moving during daylight.
• Insufficient space causes severe stress and aggression.
• Becomes increasingly aggressive with age and size.
• Juveniles are relatively peaceful; adults are often highly territorial.
• Will harass and chase peaceful fish relentlessly.
• May prevent other fish from feeding through intimidation.
• Can kill peaceful tankmates through stress and aggression.
• Best with other large, aggressive species: triggers, large angels, groupers.
• May harass even semi-aggressive fish if space is inadequate.
• Generally leaves corals alone; focused on fish aggression.
• Will eat ornamental shrimp if present.
• Reef-safe with caution; main concern is harassment of other fish.
• Excellent jumper: Tight-fitting lid with absolutely no gaps essential.
• Many specimens were lost to carpet surfing due to active nature.
• Buries completely in sand at night for sleeping.
• Sand burial is normal nightly behavior; it requires adequate sand depth.
• May disappear completely in sand; don’t panic when lights go out.
• Very hardy once established; disease-resistant.
• Adapts quickly to aquarium life.
• Rarely refuses food; voracious appetite.
• Can grow rapidly with proper feeding.
• Native to Indo-Pacific coral reef regions.
• Readily available and moderately priced.
• Best suited for large aggressive fish-only or FOWLR systems.
• Not recommended for peaceful community tanks under any circumstances.
• Requires experienced aquarists who understands aggressive fish management.
• Can live 10-15 years with proper care.
• Spectacular to watch due to constant activity and color.

Why Choose a Quarantined Lunare Wrasse?

Purchasing a quarantined 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 aggressive nature of this species, proper quarantine allows assessment of temperament and ensures the fish is in optimal condition before introduction to your display. This provides the best foundation for managing this beautiful but challenging species. Only recommended for large aggressive fish systems. Secure lid is absolutely mandatory.