New Guinea Wrasse - (No Online Purchases)

New Guinea Wrasse

Refers to Anampses neoguinaicus, also known as the Black-backed Wrasse or New Guinea Tamarin Wrasse. 

New Guinea Wrasse (Anampses neoguinaicus)
This species is a popular choice in the marine aquarium trade, known for its striking coloration.

Physical Characteristics:

Size: Can grow up to 20 cm (about 8 inches) in length.

Colouration: Males are typically a vibrant green or bluish color with a distinct red or orange tail. Females and juveniles have more subdued colors, often brownish or greenish. They have a black dorsal area, which gives them the common name "Black-backed Wrasse."

Body Shape: They have an elongated body with dorsal and anal fins that run almost the entire length of the fish. As juveniles, they have a large, deep blue eyespot on their rear fins, which helps to protect them from predators.

Hermaphroditism: Like many wrasses, this species is a protogynous hermaphrodite. This means all are born female and the dominant female in a group can change sex to become a male.

Habitat and Behaviour:

Distribution:Found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines and Taiwan to Fiji, and south to the Great Barrier Reef.

Habitat: Inhabits shallow coral reefs with areas of sand and rubble, and also on reef crests with Acropora corals. They can be found at depths from 4 to 30 meters.

Social Structure:Adults are found in small, loose groups of females with a single dominant male nearby. Juveniles are typically solitary and found within corals.

Diet: Feeds on benthic invertebrates, such as small crustaceans, mollusks, and worms.

Behaviour: Active swimmers. They are generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially males towards other males. They are known to bury themselves in a sandy substrate at night or when they feel threatened.

Aquarium Care:

Care Level: Considered an "expert only" species due to their delicate nature, specific needs, and difficulty in acclimatization.

Tank Size: A minimum of 400 liters (around 100 gallons) is recommended.

Tank Conditions: Requires stable, high-quality water with a temperature of 24–28°C (75–82°F). The tank should have plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging, and a deep sand bed (at least 2 inches) for the fish to burrow into.

Diet: Should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods, such as vitamin-enriched mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They have a high metabolism and should be fed multiple times a day.

Compatibility: Generally considered reef safe, but may pick at small crustaceans, fanworms, and tridacnid clams. They can be aggressive towards other wrasses of the same species, especially as they mature. It's best to keep only one male per tank.