Thicklip Wrasse

Barred Thicklip Wrasse (Hemigymnus fasciatus) is a spectacular, large wrasse that makes a statement the moment it moves. Showing off dramatic vertical bars across its body, thick lips, and intense facial patterning that change with age and gender, this fish is both bold and beautiful. Juveniles have a green-yellow backdrop with six yellow vertical lines and thinner black bars; females/initial phase adults shift to a dark green/black body with lighter white/green vertical stripes, and mature males develop brighter coloration, more defined striping, deeper tones on the head, finer white striping toward the top, and often a horseshoe-shaped marking on the snout. It can reach up to 20-inches long (about 50 cm) in mature specimens. Best kept in very large tanks of 200+ gallons, with deep fine sand substrate (for burying/resting), plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing, and open swim space. Water parameters must be stable (tropical reef levels), with moderate flow and excellent water quality. Diet should be carnivorous: feed a variety of meaty foods—mollusks, crustaceans, worms, chopped seafood—and ensure large pieces so the fish can feed naturally. Reef-safe with caution: it may consume small crustaceans or invertebrates, so it’s better suited to fish-only or robust reef systems.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.