Moon Wrasse
Thalassoma lunare · tha-las-SOH-ma loo-NAR-ay
diurnalsolitaryLeast Concern
EdibleFriendly
Superpower
Can switch from female to male, the new male turning vivid green and blue.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 20 cm, up to 25 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Depth
- 1–30 m
Habitat
Coral reefs and rubble zones.
Diet
Small invertebrates, fish eggs and tiny crustaceans.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 4/10.
How to cook: Edible but small; rarely targeted.
Fun facts
- It is named for the crescent-moon shape on its tail.
- Like many wrasses, females can change into males.
- It buries itself in sand to sleep at night.