The Allen’s Tubelip, Allen’s Wrasse, Frosty-tail Wrasse, scientifically known as Labropsis alleni, is a captivating species of wrasse. This small, vibrant fish is a popular choice for saltwater aquariums due to its distinctive appearance and intriguing behavior.
Description & Characteristics
Labropsis alleni boasts an elongated body with a maximum size of 10.0 cm. Its coloration is quite striking, featuring a deep blue to purple hue with a distinctive white or yellow stripe running along the lateral line. The tail is often a frosty white, contributing to its common name “Frosty-tail Wrasse.” This color pattern, along with its slender form, makes it easily distinguishable from other wrasse species.
Habitat and Occurrence
Labropsis alleni is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Pacific Ocean. It typically inhabits coral reefs, preferring depths ranging from 4.0 to 52.0 meters. This depth range places them in both the mesophotic and reef zones, indicating their adaptability to varying light conditions and reef structures.
Taxonomy
Labropsis alleni belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Labridae, which comprises a diverse group of fish known as wrasses. This classification highlights its position within the larger taxonomic framework of bony fish, with a specific focus on the order of fish with uncertain systematic relationships and the family of wrasses.
Feeding
Labropsis alleni is a specialized feeder, primarily consuming small crustaceans like brine shrimps, coral polyps (corallivorous), and zooplankton. In the aquarium setting, they can be fed a variety of foods, including frozen foods (larger sorts), mysis, and high-quality flake food. Their dietary preferences reflect their role in the coral reef ecosystem, contributing to the intricate balance of the reef environment.
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