Spotted wrasse (Anampses meleagrides)

Scientific name: Anampses meleagrides Valenciennes, 1840

The Spotted wrasse (Anampses meleagrides) is a marine fish of the family Labridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Native range: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa and the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan.

Spotted wrasse care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13. Ground color of female very dark brown; orangish on front of head and lower parts; body spotted with white or very pale yellow, extending to dorsal and anal fins; caudal bright cadmium. Male form deep violet; irregular blue spots on cheeks and lower operculum; body with round blue spots becoming oblong, nearly forming longitudinal bands ventrally; dorsal and anal fins with longitudinal bands; caudal with numerous blue ocelli. Dorsal spines flexible. Caudal fin of adults truncate to emarginate; rounded in small juveniles. Easily confused with male A. geographicus when seen underwater, except when displaying with iridescent blue-green lines and spots over the body and fins.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Anampses meleagrides
Family: Labridae (Wrasses)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 22.0
Depth range: 3–60 m (10–197 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 60 m, usually 5 - 50 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa and the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)