Anampses meleagrides Valenciennes, 1840
Spotted wrasse
Anampses meleagrides
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/B. Alenda

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  22 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 60 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa and the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Ground color of female very dark brown; orangish on front of head and lower parts; body spotted with white or very pale yellow, extending to dorsal and anal fins; caudal bright cadmium. Male form deep violet; irregular blue spots on cheeks and lower operculum; body with round blue spots becoming oblong, nearly forming longitudinal bands ventrally; dorsal and anal fins with longitudinal bands; caudal with numerous blue ocelli. Dorsal spines flexible. Caudal fin of adults truncate to emarginate; rounded in small juveniles. Easily confused with male A. geographicus when seen underwater, except when displaying with iridescent blue-green lines and spots over the body and fins (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Adults are found in areas of mixed coral, rubble, consolidated limestone, and sand of seaward reefs; also in soft coral or sponge habitats (Ref. 48636). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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