Pearl Wrasse

Anampses cuvier

The Pearl Wrasse is a reef-associated fish found exclusively in the Pacific Ocean, specifically around the Hawaiian Islands, including Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Midway. This species can grow up to 31 cm in length and is known for inhabiting rocky substrates in inshore areas. Divers may encounter these fish in tide pools and deeper waters, typically within a depth range of 2 to 26 meters. The Pearl Wrasse has a varied diet, primarily feeding on crustaceans such as shrimps, amphipods, and crabs. They also consume other invertebrates, including sipunculids, gastropods, and chitons, with occasional ingestion of echinoderms and fish material. The species exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism and engages in distinct pairing during breeding, being oviparous. While diving, encountering a Pearl Wrasse can be an interesting experience as they are harmless and not of interest to fisheries, though they are occasionally found in the aquarium trade. The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.