Bluehead Wrasse (Thalassoma Bifasciatum)
Key Facts
Also Known As: Blue-headed Wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum
Compatibility, Behavior, and Environment
The Bluehead Wrasse is a striking and active addition to reef aquariums, well-known for its vibrant coloration shifts throughout life stages. This species is generally considered reef safe, but may occasionally nip at very small ornamental shrimp or micro-crustaceans. It will not eat corals or macroalgae.
Bluehead Wrasses can occasionally be territorial, especially mature males, and do best with more peaceful tank mates. When housed in larger aquariums with ample swimming space and established rockwork, they tend to be bold, but not aggressive. They will thrive in community setups with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Adding only one per tank or housing with non-competing wrasses is recommended to reduce territoriality.
Aquarium Requirements
A tank of at least 55 gallons is ideal for the Bluehead Wrasse, with mature live rock, plentiful crevices, and open swimming areas for enrichment. Secure lids are highly recommended, as this species is a known jumper. A mix of shaded hiding spots and well-lit areas best mimics their natural habitat, while strong, stable filtration and a healthy refugium for copepod growth further support natural foraging behaviors. Feeding should occur in areas of moderate flow to replicate their wild hunting habits and encourage activity throughout the reefscape.
Specifications
Approximate Size: 2.5-4"
Diet: Carnivore; feeds on small invertebrates, copepods, frozen mysis, enriched seafood mix
Origin: Caribbean, Western Atlantic
Care Level: Easy
Reef Safe: With caution (may eat very small inverts)
Temperament: Active swimmer, semi-aggressive
Pairs well with
Bluehead Wrasse (Thalassoma Bifasciatum)
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Shipping Information
- Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday. Orders will be shipped overnight on the soonest possible shipping day, unless you request to hold the order for up to one business day.
- Your order will ship same-day if placed before 12:30 PM PST on a shipping day.
- Orders placed after 12:30 PM PST will ship on the next shipping day.
- Stay tuned to our Announcement Bar (black bar at the top of every page) for important shipping announcements...we may reach our max limit of orders we can ship on Mondays.
- If it is very hot, very cold, or if you live in a rural area, ship to a UPS Access Point to save your livestock from hours of exposure to the elements. Click here to see how.
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FAQ’s
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if UPS is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a UPS Access Point, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
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Contact Us
Send us an email at sales@reefbeauties.com and we will get back to you shortly.
We do not offer phone calls. We handle our inquiries with timely emails to ensure a qualified and high-quality response, to have all conversations on record, and to avoid miscommunications that can occur over the phone.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if UPS is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a UPS Access Point, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.