Common name: Pearl wrasse

General information

Cuvier's Wrasse, scientifically known as Anampses cuvier, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. They are known for their striking coloration, which can vary significantly as they mature. Juveniles typically display a combination of white and brown shades with blue spots, while adults develop a more intense blue and yellow coloration, particularly in males.

This species is appreciated for its hardiness and its role in controlling pests, as it feeds on a variety of small invertebrates that can be harmful to corals and other tank inhabitants.

Care

Cuvier's Wrasse requires a well-established aquarium with a sandy substrate to burrow in for sleeping and when feeling threatened. They are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid or screen is essential to prevent escape. This species is best kept in a tank with plenty of live rock to provide hiding places and to support a healthy population of microfauna for the wrasse to graze on.

A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their vibrant colors and overall health. They are generally peaceful but can become territorial, so it's important to introduce them to the tank last if possible.

Reproduction

In the wild, Cuvier's Wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental stability and a well-matched pair can encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Anampses cuvier is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs, usually at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. They are often seen swimming actively above the reef during the day.