Gold Bar Wrasse

Gold Bar Wrasse

The Gold Bar Wrasse (Thalassoma hebraicum) is a large, stunningly colored, and highly active species prized for its bold personality and striking appearance. This wrasse is best suited for experienced hobbyists with large, established fish-only or mixed-species aquariums.

The fish gets its common name from the prominent vertical gold/yellow bar that separates its olive-gold, blue-veined head from its bluish body. The Gold Bar Wrasse is an extremely active swimmer, constantly patrolling the tank, which adds dynamic movement and color to the aquarium.

Care & Compatibility

• Size: This wrasse reaches an adult size of approximately 9 inches (23 cm). Its large size and high activity level necessitate a spacious environment.
• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons is often cited, but due to its high activity and eventual size, a tank of 125 gallons or more is strongly recommended to provide adequate swimming space and prevent aggression.
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to Aggressive. It is a bold, energetic species that should be kept with other robust fish of similar size and temperament, such as larger Tangs, Triggerfish, and Angelfish. It should generally be kept as the only Thalassoma species in the tank, as it can be highly territorial toward similar wrasses.
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution. While this wrasse generally leaves most corals alone, it is a predator of small invertebrates. It will actively search and prey on smaller ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs, and perhaps even small fish that fit in its mouth. It is not suitable for a tank relying on an invert cleanup crew.
• Diet: Carnivore. As a highly active fish with a fast metabolism, it requires frequent feeding—at least 2-3 times daily—with a variety of enriched, meaty foods. This includes frozen mysis shrimp, krill, chopped clam, chopped squid, and high-quality marine pellets.
• Tank Requirements:
  • Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential, as all Thalassoma species are notorious jumpers.
  • Substrate: A minimum of a 2-inch deep bed of fine sand should be provided, as this wrasse will occasionally burrow into the sand to sleep at night or if threatened.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Thalassoma hebraicum
• Primary Common Name: Gold Bar Wrasse
• Origin: Western Indian Ocean (East Africa to Sri Lanka)
• Max Size: 9 inches (23 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to Aggressive
• Diet: Carnivore (Needs frequent feedings)
• Minimum Tank Size: 125+ Gallons Recommended
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Preys on small invertebrates)