About Thalassoma lucasanum (Gill, 1862)
The Cortez rainbow wrasse, with the scientific name Thalassoma lucasanum, is a species of wrasse that is native to the eastern Pacific Ocean. Its native range extends from Baja California to Peru, and it also occurs around the Galapagos Islands. This species inhabits reef environments, where it forms small schools. It can be found from the ocean surface down to depths of 64 meters (210 feet), though it is rarely found deeper than 25 meters (82 feet) or shallower than 2 meters (6.6 feet). The Cortez rainbow wrasse is generally a very common species. It is sold in the aquarium trade. When fully grown, this species can reach a total length of 15 centimeters (5.9 inches). Adult individuals feed on small organisms including crustaceans, plankton, and fish eggs. Juvenile Cortez rainbow wrasses act as cleaner fish.
