Here’s a care guide for the Multicoloured Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum) — also known as the Five Stripe Wrasse or Rainbow Wrasse.
 
 
 
 
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Overview
 
 
Scientific name: Thalassoma quinquevittatum
Common names: Multicoloured Wrasse, Five Stripe Wrasse, Rainbow Wrasse
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea to the Pacific Islands
Adult size: Up to 15 cm (6 in)
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Temperament: Active and semi-aggressive
 
 
 
 
 
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Tank Requirements
 
 
Minimum tank size: 250 litres (55 gallons)
Aquascape: Open swimming space with plenty of rockwork for hiding
Substrate: Sand (they may bury at night or when frightened)
Lighting: Moderate
Flow: Moderate to strong water movement
 
 
 
 
 
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Water Parameters
 
 
Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 20 ppm
 
 
 
 
 
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Diet
 
 
Carnivorous and easy to feed:
 
Frozen mysis and krill
Chopped seafood (prawn, squid, clam)
Marine pellets or flakes for carnivores
Occasional live foods for enrichment
 
 
Feed twice daily — very active fish that need regular meals.
 
 
 
 
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Compatibility
 
 
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially to smaller or timid fish.
Tankmates: Best with other robust species (tangs, angels, triggers, larger wrasses).
Reef safety: Not fully reef-safe — may eat ornamental shrimp, small crabs, or worms.
Avoid: Very small peaceful species (gobies, firefish, small blennies).
 
 
 
 
 
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Additional Notes
 
 
Brightly coloured with green, blue, red, and yellow patterning.
Colour intensifies as the fish matures or in males.
Needs a secure lid — strong jumper!
Hardy and well-suited to lively marine setups.