Anampses cuvier

Datasheet

General Description

The Pearl wrasse, scientifically known as Anampses cuvier, belongs to the Labridae family and is native to the Central/West Pacific, specifically found around the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Midway in the Pacific Ocean. These fish exhibit striking differences in appearance between males and females, as well as between juvenile and adult specimens, making them a visually captivating species.

Aquarium Suitability

With an average hardiness level, the Pearl wrasse is deemed suitable for aquarium keeping but requires careful attention to its needs. It is recommended to provide a tank with a minimum size of 700 liters and a deep sandy substrate of at least 2 inches for burrowing. They acclimatize best when introduced as juveniles and thrive in pairs, with one male and one female. Furthermore, frequent feeding and a peaceful tank environment are crucial for their well-being.

Care and Hardiness

Known for their docile nature, Pearl wrasses can be shy and might be aggressive towards similar species of the same gender. It is essential to handle them carefully, especially when keeping them with more assertive fish. These fish are relatively sensitive during transportation and acclimatization processes, requiring special attention to prevent injuries.

Reef Suitability

The Pearl wrasse is considered reef-safe with caution, as it can coexist with reef environments but may pose a threat to smaller crustaceans such as shrimps and crabs. Their diet includes larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton, which should be adequately provided for their nutritional needs.

Aquarium Setup

To set up an ideal tank for Pearl wrasses, ensure a deep sandy substrate for burrowing, peaceful tank mates, and ample feeding opportunities. It is advisable to introduce them when young, feed them frequently, and create a conducive environment for their acclimatization and well-being.

Behaviour

These wrasses exhibit peaceful behavior towards other tank mates and tend to thrive best in small groups with a single male. When feeling threatened or needing rest, they may bury themselves in the sandy substrate. Their shy and docile temperament necessitates a calm tank environment for optimal thriving.

Feeding and Diet

The recommended diet for Pearl wrasses includes larger crustaceans, various invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. Feeding should be frequent, especially during the initial stages of introduction, and can be less frequent once they adapt to finding natural food sources within the aquarium.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Pearl wrasses are found in the Pacific Ocean around specific islands such as Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Midway. Their distribution is limited to these regions, where they inhabit sandy substrate areas and exhibit unique feeding behaviors from zooplankton to large crustaceans.