Common name: Lined wrasse
General information
The Lined wrasse, Anampses lineatus, is a strikingly beautiful fish known for its vibrant blue and orange coloration. This species is part of the Labridae family, which is well-represented in the aquarium trade due to the members' often bright colors and interesting behaviors. The Lined wrasse is a less common but highly sought-after species among hobbyists who appreciate its unique appearance and active demeanor.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, meaty foods.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May bully smaller fish.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseAnampses
- SpeciesLined wrasseAnampses lineatus Randall, 1972
- SynonymsAnampses melanurus lineatus Randall, 1972
Care
Lined wrasses are moderately difficult to care for, primarily due to their specific dietary and space requirements. They thrive in larger, well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, is essential for their health. It's important to note that they may not be suitable for reef tanks as they can disturb small invertebrates and sessile organisms.
Reproduction
In the wild, Anampses lineatus exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental stability and a group consisting of one male and several females may encourage natural reproductive behaviors.
Habitat
The natural habitat of the Lined wrasse includes coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. Their geographical distribution spans from East Africa to the central Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef.