More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 400 litres / 105.67 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 22.0cm / 8.66inches |
| Reef Compatible | Always reef safe |
| Temperament | Docile but might be aggressive towards similar species of same gender |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Spotted Wrasse (Anampses meleagrides), also known as the Speckled Wrasse or Yellowtail Wrasse, belongs to the Labridae family. They are visually striking fish with significant differences in appearance between males, females, juveniles, and adults. These wrasses are typically peaceful, preferring to be in small groups with a single male. When threatened or in need of rest, they bury themselves in the sand.
Aquarium Suitability
The Spotted Wrasse requires experience and extra care due to their delicate nature. They are best kept in pairs (one male and one female) or with one male and several females to thrive in captivity. These fish can be challenging to acclimatize, especially the larger or smaller ones. As they are shy and docile, caution is advised when housing them with more aggressive tank mates.
Demands, Care, and Hardiness
These wrasses are considered delicate and are sensitive during transportation and acclimatization. They require a deep sandy substrate of at least 2 inches for burrowing and feeling secure. Feeding them multiple times a day, particularly when newly introduced, is crucial for their well-being. Offering live food enhances their chances of adaptation to tank life.
Reef Suitability
Spotted Wrasses are reef-safe and do not pose a threat to most invertebrates in a reef environment. They are beneficial for battling unwanted invertebrates like flatworms and pyramid snails.
Aquarium Setup
To best accommodate the Spotted Wrasse, a tank of at least 400 liters with ample hiding spots and a sandy substrate is essential. Ensuring peaceful tank mates and a well-established feeding routine is crucial, especially during the acclimatization period.
Behaviour
The Spotted Wrasse is known to be docile but can exhibit aggression towards similar species of the same gender. They may jump out of open aquariums, so securing the tank is necessary to prevent escape.
Feeding and Diet
Their diet should consist of small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. Providing live food initially aids in their adjustment to captive conditions.
Dimorphism
These wrasses are hermaphroditic, able to change gender from female to male when necessary for reproduction or maintaining social structure.
Habitat and Distribution
Spotted Wrasses are native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa and the Tuamoto Islands, with sightings extending north to southern Japan. Their habitat includes sandy bottoms near coral reefs where they can burrow and seek shelter.