The Hardwicke Wrasse (Thalassoma hardwicke), also known as the Sixbar Wrasse, is an active and hardy marine fish belonging to the family Labridae.

Distribution and Habitat

Found in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to the western Pacific, commonly inhabiting shallow reef flats and seaward reef slopes.

Physical Description

Features a greenish body with vertical dark bars and a yellow caudal fin, along with striking pink and green facial markings in terminal males.

Diet and Feeding

Carnivorous, feeding on small crustaceans and zooplankton. In the aquarium, it eagerly consumes frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and marine carnivore preparations.

Behavior and Reproduction

Protogynous hermaphrodites that form haremic groups. They are active and fast swimmers that may jump from open tanks when startled.

Aquarium Care

Requires 55+ gallons with a tight lid, and is not reef-safe with small shrimp and mobile invertebrates. It is a hardy species good for beginners with large semi-aggressive community aquariums.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.