Common name: Blue-striped orange tamarin

General information

The Blue Throat Wrasse, also known as the Venus Tamarin Wrasse, is a colorful and active fish that adds both beauty and personality to a saltwater aquarium. Anampses femininus is known for its striking coloration, with males displaying a vibrant blue throat area that gives the species its common name. This species is part of the wrasse family, which is known for its diverse and often brightly colored members.

Care

Blue Throat Wrasses require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. They are generally peaceful but can become territorial with other wrasses. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their health and coloration. It's important to have a tightly fitting lid as wrasses are known jumpers.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blue Throat Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but if conditions are right, they may spawn. Observing their complex mating rituals can be a fascinating experience for aquarists.

Habitat

Anampses femininus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to South Africa and east to the Line Islands. They prefer reef environments with plenty of live rock and coral where they can forage for small invertebrates and hide from predators.