The Goldbar Wrasse is aptly named for the subdued golden bar that divides its body from its head. Its olive-gold head, veined in contrasting brilliant blue, makes this member of the Labridae family a prized addition to almost any home marine aquarium. The Goldbar Wrasse has an appealing purple-hazed, bluish body that adds visual interest as this active fish swims amongst live rock.
Native to the African coasts, the Goldbar Wrasse thrives in swallow lagoons and seaward reefs in relatively shallow to moderately deep water. In the home aquarium, the Goldbar Wrasse fares equally as well in larger systems of 125 gallons or more with a variety of rock work amongst which they can swim, hide, and forage for food.
Care needs to be taken, however, to house Thalassoma hebraicum with fish of equal temperament. Though most will not attack coral or live plants, many will become territorial and may harass new additions to your aquarium. To help prevent this, the Goldbar Wrasse should be one of the last fish to be added to your system.
The Goldbar Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.