Anampses chrysocephalus

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Anampses chrysocephalus
Anampses chrysocephalus.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Labriformes
Family: Labridae
Genus: Anampses
Species:
A. chrysocephalus
Binomial name
Anampses chrysocephalus

Anampses chrysocephalus, also known as red tail wrasse and psychedelic wrasse, is a small, reef-associated fish in the family Labridae endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. [2]

Contents

Description

Anampses chrysocephalus is known for its vibrant coloration and marked sexual dimorphism. Juveniles and females are typically dark brown or black with white spots on each scale and a red tail edged with a white band. Terminal-phase males exhibit bright orange-red heads with electric blue lines and spots, and their bodies display brown coloration with iridescent blue speckling. [3] Males can reach a maximum length of about 17 cm, while females are smaller, usually between 7 and 10 cm. [4] Like other members of its genus, the psychedelic wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite, capable of changing sex from female to male depending on social hierarchy. [5]

Distribution and habitat

Anampses chrysocephalus is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. [6] It typically inhabits reef slopes and rocky coastal areas, preferring sandy substrates with coral and rock cover. Adults are found at depths ranging from 15 to 50 meters, though the full depth range extends from 12 to 139 meters. [6] Juveniles are often seen at slightly shallower depths. [5]

Human use

The psychedelic wrasse occasionally appears in the aquarium trade due to its striking appearance and behavior. However, it is considered a challenging species to maintain in captivity. It requires a well-established tank with sandy substrate, abundant live rock, and a diet of small invertebrates such as mysis shrimp and copepods. [3] [4] The species is sensitive to transportation and does best when introduced as a juvenile. [7] In Hawaiʻi, this species is listed on the “White List” of aquarium fish permitted for collection, under regulations designed to promote sustainable harvesting. [8]

References

  1. ↑ Pollard, D., Craig, M. & Rocha, L. (2010). "Anampses chrysocephalus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2010: e.T187555A8567064. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187555A8567064.en . Retrieved 27 January 2024.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ↑ Randall, J.E., 1972. A revision of the labrid fish genus Anampses. Micronesica 8(1-2):151-190.
  3. 1 2 Toonen, Rich. "Aquarium Fish: The Psychedelic Wrasse." Reefs Magazine. Reefs.com. Accessed 15 May 2025.
  4. 1 2 Saltwaterfish.com. "Red Tail Wrasse." Accessed 15 May 2025.
  5. 1 2 Michael, Scott W. "Wrasses: Splendid Sand-Sleepers." ReefKeeping Magazine. August 2005. Accessed 15 May 2025.
  6. 1 2 FishBase. "Anampses chrysocephalus." Accessed 15 May 2025.
  7. ↑ LiveAquaria. "Red Tail Wrasse." Accessed 15 May 2025.
  8. ↑ Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources. White List of Aquarium Fish Species Permitted for Collection. Department of Land and Natural Resources, 2014. Accessed 15 May 2025.


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