Blackbarred Wrasse

Thalassoma nigrofasciatum

The Blackbarred Wrasse is a ray-finned fish found in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is distinguished by its blackish upper body and white ventral half, with males exhibiting more yellow in the pale areas compared to females. Males also have a pale pink chin and long filaments on the lobes of the caudal fin. This species can grow up to 20 cm in length. It is often confused with Jansen's Wrasse due to their similar appearance, but they differ in specific genetic markers. Blackbarred Wrasses inhabit tidal pools and reefs, including both inner and outer reefs, at depths ranging from 0 to 15 meters. They are commonly found in regions such as the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe Island, and New Caledonia. These fish can be seen either alone or in small groups, making them a frequent sight for divers exploring these areas. The species is oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding. It is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Divers encountering the Blackbarred Wrasse can expect to see it in various reef environments, often swimming actively in search of food.