The Black-banded Wrasse, Black-backed Wrasse, New Guinea Chisel-tooth Wrasse, New Guinea Tamarin, New Guinea Wrasse – Anampses neoguinaicus is a captivating marine fish known for its vibrant colors and distinctive markings. This species boasts an array of common names, each highlighting different aspects of its appearance or geographic origin.
Description & Characteristics
The Anampses neoguinaicus is a relatively small wrasse, reaching a maximum size of 20.0 cm. Its body exhibits a striking combination of colors, often featuring a predominantly yellow or orange base with black bands or stripes. This striking coloration, coupled with its relatively slender build, makes it a visually appealing inhabitant of coral reefs.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Anampses neoguinaicus is a reef-associated fish that thrives in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It’s commonly found in shallow to moderate depths, ranging from 4.0 to 30.0 meters. This depth range places the Anampses neoguinaicus within the epipelagic zone, the sunlit upper layer of the ocean. It is often observed near coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass meadows.
Taxonomy
The species Anampses neoguinaicus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Labridae. This family, known as the wrasses, encompasses a diverse array of fish species, many of which are brightly colored and inhabit coral reefs.
Feeding
The Anampses neoguinaicus is an omnivorous fish, consuming a wide variety of food sources. Its diet includes Amphipods, Brine Shrimps, Copepods, Crustaceans, Daphnia salina, Flakes, Frozen Food (large sort), Invertebrates, Krill, Mysis, Zoobenthos, and Zooplankton. This diverse feeding strategy allows it to adapt to varying conditions and exploit available resources in its habitat.
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