Surge Wrasse
Thalassoma purpureum
- Group: Wrasse
- Typical depth: 0–10 m
- Max size: 46 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
This wrasse lives almost entirely in the surge zone, riding the wash over outer reef flats and rocky shorelines down to about 10 metres. Males grow much larger than females and oversee groups of females spread across the reef, hunting crabs, urchins, brittlestars, and mollusks.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Eupercaria incertae sedis › Labridae › Thalassoma
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 212213.
FAQ
- How deep does the Surge Wrasse live?
- The Surge Wrasse (Thalassoma purpureum) is typically found at 0–10 m.
- Is the Surge Wrasse dangerous to divers?
- The Surge Wrasse is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Surge Wrasse get?
- The Surge Wrasse grows to about 46 cm.