Anampses twistii Bleeker, 1856
Yellowbreasted wrasse
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to the Tuamoto Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Rapa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Body brown, shading to yellow on abdomen, thorax and lower head, and to reddish posteriorly; reddish lips; posterior of operculum with a large black spot, a green spot above and adjacent to this, and above this is a red spot. Pectoral base with a dark brown bar. Dorsal spines pungent.
Biology:  Adults occur in clear lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of 30 m (Ref. 1602). Usually in areas with mixed rubble, coral, or rock and sand (Ref. 9710). Usually solitary among large corals. Small juveniles swim with their head down, keeping dorsal and anal fins erected, and may seem like the face of a larger fish when viewed from side on by a predator (Ref. 48636). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Occasionally seen in fish markets and aquarium trade.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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