Thalassoma hardwicke

(Bennett, 1830)

Vernacular names
English : Sixbar wrasse
French : Girelle à six bandes

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Eupercaria i. s. (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Labridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Body mostly light turquoise blue with alternating dark blue, yellow and pink horizontal bands on upper flanks, crossed by six vertical black bands. Radiating pink markings from eyes.

Range and habitat
Indo-Pacific, from Red Sea and East Africa to Line and Tuamoto islands, to south Japan and Lord Howe Island. Found around shallow lagoons, seaward reefs and reef slopes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is widespread and common in its huge range. It is sometimes collected for trade but the greatest threat is likely loss of habitat since it is associated with hard coral species.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

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