Experience with pinkface wrasse, T. quinquevittatum?

Ben jammin · May 2, 2015

This was one of the original fish on my stocking list for my 260 FOWLR when I started it a year and a half ago. Have not been able to find one till now, but my LFS now has 3 in stock and they're eating well. 2 of them are about 3" but not great color after being there a week. The other is about 5" with great color. I have heard Thalasoma wrasses can be bad news. I've also heard that quinquevittatums are more on the mellow side though.

Anyone have any first hand experience with these? I have several tangs, Angels and wrasses (quoyi parrot, melanarus, small red coris). Most of the tangles and angels are in the 4-6" range so about the same size as the larger of the three pinkfaces. I'd really like to get him but don't want to disturb the peace.

eatbreakfast · May 2, 2015

They are very aggressive. I tried one when I first started keeping saltwater. Within a week I had to remove it because it was so aggressive towards other wrasses. It will relentlessly chase other wrasses.

A terminal male is one of the most stunning fish in the sea, though.

evolved · May 4, 2015

Yeah, in general, Thalassoma equates to pretty aggressive.

They're really only suited for a FO system, and void of any other Labroides. Also, if they set their sights on a tankmate they don't like, they tend to remove the eyes of said tankmate.

I wouldn't risk it, given you have Labroides already in the tank.