Sunset Wrasse
Vieja Collereja
(Thalassoma grammaticum)

Sunset Wrasse, Thalassoma grammaticum: In Mexico, the Sunset Wrasse is found on the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula south of Magdalena Bay and in the Sea of Cortez south of Loreto.

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

Sunset Wrasse are also present in waters south of Guaymas along the coast of mainland Mexico and around all oceanic islands.

However, the solitary Sunset Wrasse is too rare to be of great interest to anyone except fish species observers.

The Sunset Wrasse is a member of the Labridae or Wrasse Family. The Sunset Wrasse has been reported to reach a length of 15 inches and about 1 pound. It is normally found over rocky shores in the surge zone within the first 50 feet of the water column.

The Sunset Wrasse is characterized by the five wide, curved pink bands extending and coalescing onto the breast and back above the pectoral fins.

It has a deep bluish body with red vertical marks on the posterior margin of each scale, and predominant lines and streaks of rosy pink on the median fins.

The Sunset Wrasse is quite similar in size and shape to the Emerald Wrasse, but the two are not easily confused due to the red markings around the head of the Sunset Wrasse.

Sunset Wrasse Photo

Sunset Wrasse, Thalassoma grammaticum: Caught during fishing from shore during the last hour of daylight, in 78-degree water, in November 2003, utilizing 15-pound test line with a fish finder rig, main line, 1.0-ounce barrel sinker, swivel, and Mustad 92553 hook, size 4, on cut squid at Km. 20, Cabo Real, between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Size approximately 7 inches and 1 pound and was “scrappy.” Description and photo courtesy John Snow.

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