How to Identify Sunset Wrasse

To identify Sunset Wrasse (Thalassoma lutescens), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Initial Phase (IP) individuals (females and smaller males) are typically yellowish-green to greenish-brown dorsally, fading to a lighter yellow or white ventrally. They often have a series of faint, irregular reddish-orange bars or spots along the flanks. Terminal Phase (TP) males are much more vibrant, displaying a bright yellow to orange head and anterior body, transitioning to a greenish-blue or blue-green posterior body and fins. A prominent reddish-orange or pink band often runs from behind the eye to the pectoral fin base. The caudal fin can be yellow, orange, or greenish with blue margins.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Protogynous hermaphrodite with distinct initial and terminal phase colorations., Elongated, fusiform body., Small, terminal mouth with prominent canine teeth., Continuous dorsal fin.

Dorsal fin

Dorsal fin with 8 spines and 13 soft rays, continuous.

Tail fin

Caudal fin truncate to slightly emarginate in IP, becoming more lunate or slightly forked in large TP males.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively large and fan-shaped, with 13-15 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are short, located thoracically. Anal fin with 3 spines and 11 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration (Initial Phase)

   Look for yellowish-green to greenish-brown body with faint reddish-orange markings on the sides. Often has a lighter belly.

2. 2

   Coloration (Terminal Phase)

   Identify by the bright yellow/orange head and anterior body, transitioning to blue-green posteriorly. A distinct reddish-orange band behind the eye is a key feature.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Observe the elongated, streamlined body typical of Thalassoma wrasses.

4. 4

   Fin Shape

   Note the continuous dorsal fin and the caudal fin, which can range from truncate to slightly lunate depending on the life stage.

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