Black-backed Wrasse (Anampses Neoguinaicus)

Care Level : Expert Only

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Black, White

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 9"

Origin : Indo-Pacific Ocean

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 120 gallons

The Black-Backed Wrasse (Anampses Neoguinaicus), also known as the Black Pearl Tamarin Wrasse, is endemic to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, including Fiji, Australia, and Indonesia.

The Black-backed Wrasse has an elongated body with dorsal and anal fins that extend almost the entire length of the fish. Females and juveniles typically have a pearl-white stomach and midsection with a solid black dorsal section, all of which is covered by small blue spots. Towards the rear of both of these fins is a large deep blue eyespot that helps in protecting the fish as a juvenile. They are primarily white in coloration with many vibrant bright blue dots. The top front half of the fish is bluish-black in coloration, which lends to its common name. They reach a maximum size of 9 inches and should be housed with fish of similar size and temperament. 

The Black-backed Wrasse requires a 120 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging for food. Wrasse are considered jumpers make sure your aquarium has a tight-fitting canopy or screen cover to prevent the Wrasse from jumping out of your aquarium.

These Wrasses are typically peaceful towards others and thrive best in a small group with just one male.  As juveniles, the Black-backed Wrasse may be kept in numbers but may turn aggressive towards each other when fully grown. In the wild the Black-backed Wrasse feeds on benthic invertebrates and may pick at desirable fanworms and ornamental crustaceans in the home aquarium. However, the Black-backed Wrasse will typically not harm sessile invertebrates including soft or stony corals.

This species can change gender from female to male. When a male is needed, a female changes sex and takes on the role.

The Black-backed Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. Feeding them multiple times a day is recommended as they are very active and keeping them full will help keep them away from desirable inverts. 

Size: Male (Small): 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Male (Medium): 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Male (Large): 5-1/4" to 6-1/4"; Sub Adult (Small): 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Sub Adult (Small/Medium): 2-1/4" to 3-1/4"; Sub Adult (Medium): 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Sub Adult (Large): 5-1/4" to 6-1/4"