Photo. (c) 2021 GVI/SPGA.
Photo. (c) 2023 John Nevill
Scientific Name: Thalassoma hardwicke
English Name: Sixbar wrasse
Creole Name:
French Name: Girelle paon de Hardwicke
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Description:
Dorsal spines: 8; Dorsal rays: 12-14; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 11.
Small to medium sized wrasse. Body moderately elongate. Caudal fin truncate in juveniles, emarginate in adults.
Colour. Body pale green with 6 dark bars which are progressively shorter posteriorly. Broad pink bands radiating from the eye in audlts. Terminal phase (males) are brighter
in colour than females (initial phase).
Size:
Maturity: Lm 8.5 cm TL. Max length : 20.0 cm TL; common length : 15.0 cm TL.
Habitat and Ecology:
Inhabits shallow lagoon and seaward reefs (depth 0-15 m). Feeds on benthic and planktonic crustaceans, small fishes, and foraminiferans. Occurs in small, loose groups.
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. A protogynous hermaphrodite, with females able to change sex to become males during their life cycle.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. In general too small to be subject to artisanal fishing techniques.
Notes:
Photo. courtesy and (c) 2021 GVI/SPGA.
References:
Anam, R. & Mostarda, E. (2012). FIELD IDENTIFICATION GUIDE TO THE LIVING MARINE RESOURCES OF KENYA. UNFAO Rome, 2012. ISBN 978-92-5-107239-4
Bray, D.J. (2020). Thalassoma hardwicke in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/284 (03/07/22).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2021). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/5643 (02/07/22).
Shea, S. et al. (2010). Thalassoma hardwicke. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187559A8567864.en. (02/07/22).
Citation:
Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Thalassoma hardwicke, Sixbar wrasse. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/7580-2/