The Spotted Wrasse, Dotted Wrasse, Marble Wrasse, Speckled Wrasse, Yellow Tail Tamarin, Yellowtail Wrasse, scientifically known as Anampses meleagrides, is a captivating and colorful fish species belonging to the Wrasse family. These fish are renowned for their vibrant markings and their intriguing behavior.
Description & Characteristics
Anampses meleagrides exhibits a remarkable range of colors, with its body covered in a blend of white, yellow, and orange spots and stripes. This intricate pattern gives the species its various common names. Adults can reach a maximum size of 22.0 cm, making them a moderate-sized member of the wrasse family. Their elongated bodies are well-suited for navigating the coral reefs and rocky outcrops where they are most often found.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Spotted Wrasse, Dotted Wrasse, Marble Wrasse, Speckled Wrasse, Yellow Tail Tamarin, Yellowtail Wrasse, Anampses meleagrides, can be found in a wide range of marine zones, inhabiting the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer shallow reefs and rocky areas, typically residing at depths between 3.0 and 60.0 meters. The species is a common sight in areas with abundant coral cover, where they find shelter, food, and breeding opportunities.
Taxonomy
The species Anampses meleagrides is classified within the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Labridae. This categorization highlights its place among the bony fish, which represent the vast majority of fish species, and within the group of wrasse fishes, known for their diverse colors and behaviors.
Feeding
Anampses meleagrides is an opportunistic feeder, primarily consuming a diet of crustaceans and invertebrates. Their menu includes a variety of foods, such as brine shrimps, copepods, Daphnia salina, flakes, frozen food (large sort), krill, living food, mysis, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. These fish are observed to actively search for their prey among the crevices and algae of their habitat.
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