Yellowtail Wrasse (Anampses Meleagrides)

Species Name : Anampses Meleagrides 

Care Level : Expert Only

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, White, Yellow

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 : Great Barrier Reef, Indo-Pacific, Red Sea

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 125 gallons

The Yellowtail Wrasse (Anampses Meleagrides) is also referred to as the Yellow-tail Tamarin, or Spotted Wrasse.

The male has a dark brown body with short blue lines on the body and a labyrinth of blue markings on the head. Its tail is also brown, but with blue spots. The female also has a similar brownish body and head coloration, but with numerous white spots and a yellow tail. It can reach a length of 22 cm (8.7 in). An expert level of care is required to keep Yellowtail Wrasse in aquarium.  

It requires a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with a 2 inch layer of live sand in which to bury itself for sleep and hide from its tank mates. Yellowtail Wrasse requires fine substrate, as wrasse prefers to burrow and hide from their tank mates. It does not breed in captivity. 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. The Anampses Meleagrides  may act peacefully toward other fish but may harass fish that are too small as compared to its size. Even though these fish become quite large, they are not normally a threat to shrimps and other invertebrates. 

The Anampses Meleagrides  may be very difficult to keep in an aquarium due to its feeding habits. When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Requires a meaty diet, including fortified brine shrimp, mysis, black worms and other meaty type marine-based frozen foods. Needs two or three feedings per day.