Moon Wrasse
Thalassoma lunare
Moon wrasse (Thalassoma lunare) is a brightly colored Indo-Pacific reef fish that lives over shallow coral and rocky reefs. It is an active daytime feeder that scrapes and picks small invertebrates from the reef and is more often observed by snorkelers than targeted by anglers.
Identification points
- Bright blue-green body with a yellow to orange tail
- Long, pointed snout with thick lips typical of wrasses
- Adult males often show vivid purple, green, and yellow patterning with a dark rear body patch
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs, reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reef slopes with rock and rubble; usually close to structure in clear tropical marine water.
Bait notes
Not a major angling target. Small pieces of shrimp, squid, clam, or marine worm can take it on light tackle; tiny soft plastics or micro-jigs may also draw strikes.
Behavior
Diurnal and highly active, feeding on benthic crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and small reef invertebrates; often forages in quick bursts and uses crevices and coral heads for cover at night.
Caution
Reef-associated species may carry ciguatera risk in some tropical areas; avoid eating larger fish from known ciguatera regions. Handle carefully around reef structure to avoid cuts from coral.
Fishing notes
If targeted at all, use very light line and small hooks around reef structure, keeping presentations natural and close to the bottom. Most catches are incidental while fishing reef edges for other species.