Green Moon Wrasse, Thalassoma lutescens (Lay & Bennett 1839)


Other Names: Blue-fin Wrasse, Parrotfish, Sunset Wrasse, Yellow Moon Wrasse, Yellow-brown Wrasse, Yellow-green Wrasse

A male Green Moon Wrasse, Thalassoma lutescens, at the Algal Holes, Lord Howe Island. Source: Graham Edgar / Reef Life Survey. License: CC By Attribution

Summary:

A common reef fish that is capable of changing sex from female to male.

  • Juveniles - greenish above with a black stripe from behind the eye to the tail base; lower half of body white with a yellowish stripe from chin to the lower part of the caudal peduncle
  • Initial phase - body overall yellow with wavy orange to reddish lines on head and a reddish-orange vertical mark on each scale, appearing as fine vertical lines on body
  • Terminal phase - head and body to behind pectoral-fin base with broad reddish-orange wavy lines; rest of body abruptly greenish to bluish.
  • Pectoral fins yellow with blue tips
  • Dorsal and anal fins with a reddish-orange stripe along base
  • Caudal fin with a reddish-orange submarginal stripe near upper and lower margins.

  • Cite this page as:
    Dianne J. Bray, Thalassoma lutescens in Fishes of Australia, accessed 31 Mar 2025, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/Home/species/287

    Quick Facts


    CAAB Code:37384168

    Biology:Capable of changing sex

    Conservation:IUCN Least Concern

    Depth:1-30 m

    Habitat:Reef associated

    Max Size:30 cm TL

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