China Pearl Wrasse (Anampses neoguinaicus)

Max Size: 9 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

The China Pearl Wrasse is a visually captivating wrasse species with a moderately-sized body that exudes elegance. It boasts an elongated body accompanied by dorsal and anal fins that span almost the entire length of the fish. Positioned towards the rear of these fins is a prominent deep blue eyespot, which serves as a protective feature during the juvenile stage. The predominant coloration of this wrasse is white, adorned with numerous vibrant bright blue dots. The upper front half of the fish exhibits a bluish-black hue, contributing to its common name.

To accommodate the China Pearl Wrasse, a spacious aquarium with a capacity of 120 gallons or more is required. Ample live rock should be provided, serving as hiding spots and a foraging area for the fish. While juvenile China Pearl Wrasses can be kept in groups, they may exhibit aggression towards one another once fully grown. In their natural habitat, these wrasses primarily feed on benthic invertebrates and may occasionally target desirable fanworms and ornamental crustaceans in a home aquarium. However, it is worth noting that they generally do not pose a threat to sessile invertebrates, including soft or stony corals.

The diet of the China Pearl Wrasse should include vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. Additionally, incorporating high-quality marine flake and marine pellet food into their feeding regimen is beneficial.