About Thalassoma quinquevittatum (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
Thalassoma quinquevittatum, commonly called the fivestripe wrasse, can grow to a total length of 17 centimeters (6.7 inches). These are colorful reef fish that have a complex, quite variable color pattern. The fish's body has a basic green base color marked with longitudinal red or purple stripes, while the head displays various curved purplish lines and spots. Males of this species change their color during courtship and when defending their territory. This species sometimes interbreeds with Thalassoma duperrey. Fivestripe wrasses are available in the aquarium trade. This species is native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. It lives on shallow coral reefs, found at depths between 1 and 5 meters (3.3 to 16.4 feet). It particularly favors areas with surge channels, abundant algal growth, and Acropora coral plates.
