Yellowbreast Wrasse

The yellow-breasted wrasse, Anampses twistii, is a species of wrasse native to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area from the Red Sea to the Tuamoto Islands. It is found in lagoons and on reefs at depths of 5 to 30 m (16 to 98 ft). It can reach a length of 18 cm (7.1 in). It is of minor importance to local commercial fisheries and can be found in the aquarium trade.

Description

Body brown, shading to yellow on abdomen, thorax and lower head, and to reddish posteriorly; reddish lips; posterior of operculum with a large black spot, a greenish blue spot above and adjacent to this, and above this is a red spot. Pectoral base with a dark brown bar. Dorsal spines pungent. Max length : 18.0 cm.

Small juveniles swim head-down with their dorsal and anal fins erect - possibly to protect themselves from predators by resembling the head of a larger fish.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to the Tuamoto Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Rapa.

Habitat

Adults occur in clear lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of 30 m. Usually in areas with mixed rubble, coral, or rock and sand. Usually solitary among large corals. Small juveniles swim with their head down, keeping dorsal and anal fins erected, and may seem like the face of a larger fish when viewed from side on by a predator. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. Occasionally seen in fish markets and aquarium trade.