The Cortez rainbow wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum) is a species of wrasse native to the eastern Pacific Ocean from Baja California to Peru, as well as around the Galapagos Islands. It is a reef inhabitant, occurring in small schools from the surface to depths of 64 m (210 ft), though rarely deeper than 25 m (82 ft) or shallower than 2 m (6.6 ft).[2] It is generally very common. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.[1] This species can reach 15 cm (5.9 in) in total length.[2] It feeds on small organisms such as crustaceans, plankton and fish eggs, and the young are cleaner fish.[1]

Cortez rainbow wrasse
Terminal phase above, primary phase below
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Labriformes
Family: Labridae
Genus: Thalassoma
Species:
T. lucasanum
Binomial name
Thalassoma lucasanum
(T. N. Gill, 1862)
Synonyms
  • Julis lucasanus T. N. Gill, 1862

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Allen, G.R.; Robertson, R.D.; Edgar, G.; Rivera, F.; Zapata, F.; Merlen, G.; Barraza, E.; Victor, B.; Medina, B. (2010). "Thalassoma lucasanum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T154954A4676318. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T154954A4676318.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2013). "Thalassoma lucasanum" in FishBase. October 2013 version.

External links edit