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Jansen's Wrasse (male)

Thalassoma jansenii

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Jansen's Wrasse (male) (Thalassoma jansenii)

Max Size

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Max Weight

—

Max Depth

15 m

Description

Thalassoma jansenii is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. It is a reef inhabitant, preferring rocky areas, and can be found at depths from 1 to 15 m (3.3 to 49.2 ft). This species can grow to 20 cm (7.9 in) in total length. Like many other coral reef wrasses, this species swims actively over the reef using solely their pectoral fins for thrust (known as labriform locomotion). It can also be found in the aquarium trade.
 
Often confused with the related Blackbarred Wrasse, Thalassoma nigrofasciatum, which occurs on the Great Barrier Reef and islands and reefs in the Coral and Tasman seas.

Description

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11. Color pattern remains similar throughout life. Large juveniles and females are mostly black with a single white band and white area below the head to the anus. Males retain the white central band but is more yellow, and develops a second narrow band halfway towards the head. Initial phase white with 3 black bars, the first on upper half of head and anterior body containing a yellow streak at edge of opercle, the second across dorsal fin and ventrally to anus, the third covering most of body and posterior portions of dorsal and anal fins. Terminal male with yellow between black bars. Pectoral fins bluish.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Maldives to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island.

Habitat

Inhabits coastal, lagoon and outer reefs, often in areas exposed to surge on seaward and lagoon reefs in depths to 15 m.

Where to Find

Laccadive Islands Mariana Islands Australia West Malaysia East Taiwan +30 more in Seabook

Colors

white
black
yellow

Edible

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Habitat and Environment

Coral reef

Conservation status

(LC) Least concern

Poisonous

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Danger to human

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Venomous

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Similar Species

Barred Thicklip (female) Barred Thicklip (female) Barred Thicklip (male) Barred Thicklip (male) Batu Coris Batu Coris Blackeye Thicklip Blackeye Thicklip Blackeye Thicklip (juvenile) Blackeye Thicklip (juvenile) Black Leopard Wrasse Black Leopard Wrasse

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jansen's Wrasse (male) dangerous?

Jansen's Wrasse (male) is classified as: No, No, No. Always exercise caution and keep a safe distance.

Where can you find Jansen's Wrasse (male)?

Jansen's Wrasse (male) can be found in: Laccadive Islands, Mariana Islands, Australia West, Malaysia East, Taiwan, Malaysia West, Brunei, China, Myanmar, Australia, India, Japan South, India East, India West, Thailand East, Thailand West, Indo-Pacific West, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indo-Pacific, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Palau, Philippines, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Micronesia, Fiji, Thailand.

How deep does Jansen's Wrasse (male) live?

Jansen's Wrasse (male) can be found at depths of up to 15 meters.

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