Copyright
Thalassoma hardwicke (Bennett, 1830)
Home
>
Thalassoma hardwicke (Bennett, 1830)
  • Photo. (c) 2021 GVI/SPGA.
  • Photo. (c) 2023 John Nevill
Genus: ,

Scientific Name: Thalassoma hardwicke

English Name: Sixbar wrasse

Creole Name:

French Name: Girelle paon de Hardwicke

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)



Information

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/


Videos

Upload your videos
Share this post

Comments (1336)