Anampses melanurus Bleeker, 1857
White-spotted wrasse
Anampses melanurus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 110 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Indonesia to the Marquesas and Society Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Scott Reef. Range extends to Easter Island (Ref. 9710). Closely related to Anampses lineatus from the western Indian Ocean.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12. The primary phase of this species closely resembles that of A. meleagrides, but never has a uniformly yellow tail, and the color pattern does not change much with growth or sex (Ref. 1602). Recognized by the yellow bar on the base of the tail (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Adults occur in seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Also in deep coastal to outer reef slopes and drop-offs (Ref. 48636). Solitary or in pairs in the surge zone, rarely to 30 m (Ref. 9710). They swim in small groups, each with several females and a single dominant male (Ref. 48636). Feed on small crustaceans, mollusks and polychaetes. Bury in sand at night (Ref. 9710). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Maximum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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