Thalassoma schwanefeldii (Bleeker) is a synonym of Thalassoma hardwicke, which is one of the most common wrasses on Maldivian reefs and is known to readily accept bread from divers and snorkelers.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 18 cm
color
Green with six black bars dorsally, shading to pale blue ventrally. Broad pink bands on head and a pink lateral stripe posteriorly on body. Females similar but the bars not as black and lacking the ventral blue colour and pink stripe.
This species of reef dweller is typically found in shallow waters up to 25 meters deep. It is usually a solitary creature and has an omnivorous diet.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has 8 spines and 13 rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 11 rays, the pectoral fin has 16 rays, and the body depth is 2.9-3.2 in standard length, with the caudal fin being truncate in juveniles and emarginate in adults.