Anampses chrysocephalus
{{Short description|Species of fish}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Anampses chrysocephalus.jpg
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| taxon = Anampses chrysocephalus
| authority = J. E. Randall, 1958
}}
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.Randall, J.E., 1972. A revision of the labrid fish genus Anampses. Micronesica 8(1-2):151-190.
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.Toonen, Rich. "Aquarium Fish: The Psychedelic Wrasse." Reefs Magazine. Reefs.com. [https://reefs.com/magazine/aquarium-fish-the-psychedelic-wrasse-anampses-chrysocephalus/ Accessed 15 May 2025]. Males can reach a maximum length of about 17 cm, while females are smaller, usually between 7 and 10 cm.Saltwaterfish.com. "Red Tail Wrasse." [https://www.saltwaterfish.com/product-red-tail-wrasse Accessed 15 May 2025]. 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.Michael, Scott W. "Wrasses: Splendid Sand-Sleepers." ReefKeeping Magazine. August 2005. [https://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-08/hcs3/index.php Accessed 15 May 2025].
Distribution and habitat
Anampses chrysocephalus is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.FishBase. "Anampses chrysocephalus." [https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Anampses-chrysocephalus.html Accessed 15 May 2025]. 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. Juveniles are often seen at slightly shallower depths.
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. The species is sensitive to transportation and does best when introduced as a juvenile.LiveAquaria. "Red Tail Wrasse." [https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/2406/?aid=375 Accessed 15 May 2025]. In Hawaiʻi, this species is listed on the “White List” of aquarium fish permitted for collection, under regulations designed to promote sustainable harvesting.Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources. White List of Aquarium Fish Species Permitted for Collection. Department of Land and Natural Resources, 2014. [https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/files/2014/05/WHI_Aquarium_Background.pdf Accessed 15 May 2025].
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q2702524}}
Category:Fish described in 1958
Category:Taxa named by John Ernest Randall
{{Labridae-stub}}