Common name: Blue and yellow wrasse

General information

The Lennardi Wrasse, scientifically known as Anampses lennardi, is a stunningly vibrant species of wrasse that is highly sought after by marine aquarium enthusiasts. This species is renowned for its striking coloration, which includes a mix of blues, yellows, and purples that become more pronounced and vivid as the fish matures. The Lennardi Wrasse is a part of the Labridae family and is native to the waters of the Western Pacific, particularly around Australia.

Care

Caring for a Lennardi Wrasse requires a well-established aquarium with a sandy substrate to allow for their natural burrowing behavior. They are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid or screen is essential to prevent escape. This species thrives in a tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing on microfauna. They are generally peaceful but can become territorial with other wrasses. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Anampses lennardi exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and have the potential to change to males as they grow larger and more dominant. In the aquarium, breeding Lennardi Wrasses is quite challenging, and there are few reports of successful captive breeding.

Habitat

Anampses lennardi is typically found in clear, tropical coral reef environments. They prefer areas with abundant coral growth and a sandy bottom, where they can retreat for safety. These wrasses are usually observed at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters deep.