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). 

Maturity: Lm 8.5 cm TL. Max length : 20.0 cm TL; common length : 15.0 cm TL.

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.
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. In general too small to be subject to artisanal fishing techniques. 

Photo. courtesy and (c) 2021 GVI/SPGA. 

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).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Thalassoma hardwicke, Sixbar wrasse. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/7580-2/