Lined Wrasse (juvenile)

The lined wrasse, Anampses lineatus, is a species of wrasse native to the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to South Africa east to Bali. This species can be found at depths from 10 to 45 m (33 to 148 ft) (though usually below 20 m (66 ft)) in lagoons and on reefs. It can reach a length of 13 cm (5.1 in). It can be found in the aquarium trade.

Description

Body orange-brown, with pale longitudinal blue-green lines following scale rows; head with irregular light blue-green lines; opercular flap with a black spot; caudal fin white with a broad black bar on posterior part of fin. Red Sea form is slightly different. Females are distinguished by the white versus yellow band on the base of the tail and males by the lined versus spotted pattern on the body

Habitat

Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs, usually deeper than 20 m to at least 45 m. Juveniles are solitary and adults form small groups, each with several females and a dominant male. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea south to Natal, South Africa and east to Bali, Indonesia.