Pectoral fins proportionally shorter than in T. nigrofasciatum, and juveniles with more light bars (often 5-6). Otherwise difficult to distinguish within overlapping range in the SW Pacific [Note that most records from the Australian east coast are likely Thalassoma nigrofasciatum, however, needing correction in the database].

• Max Size: 20 cm
• Sea Temperature Range: 19.8-31.3°C
• Depth: 1-15m
• Habitat: Coral Reef
• Habitat Generalisation Index: 13.8
  Also referred to as the SGI (Species generalisation index), this describes the habitat niche breadth of the species. Species with values less than 15 are found in a relatively narrow range of reef habitat types (specialists), while those over 25 may be found on most hard substrates within their range (generalists). Learn more here

• IUCN Threat Status: Least Concern
• Occurrence: Frequent (13% of sites)
  Occurrence describes how often the species is found on surveys within its distribution. It is calculated as the % of reef sites surveyed by RLS divers across all the ecoregions in which the species has been observed
• Abundance: Several (6 per transect)
  Abundance is calculated as the average number of individuals recorded per RLS transect, where present.