[3] Thalassoma quinquevittatum can reach 17 cm (6.7 in) in total length.

The basic color of the body is green with longitudinal red or purple stripes, while the head shows various curved purplish lines and spots.

Males change their color during courtship and while they defend their territory.

[2] The fivestripe wrasse is an inhabitant of coral reefs in quite shallow water of 1 to 5 m (3.3 to 16.4 ft) in depth.

[3] It seems to particularly like areas with surge channels, plentiful algal growth, and Acropora coral plates.