Elegant Wrasse

Anampses elegans

The Elegant Wrasse is a reef-associated fish found in the Pacific Ocean, ranging from Australia and New Zealand to Easter Island. Divers can spot this species primarily in lagoons and coastal reefs, at depths ranging from 2 to 35 meters. It is characterized by a light brown body with faint blue spots above the lateral line and seven faint golden stripes below it. The head features a faint dark stripe from the snout to the eye, with a continuation behind the eye, and the lower half of the head is pale silvery. This wrasse reaches a maximum length of 29 cm. In terms of behavior, the Elegant Wrasse is known for its territorial males and social females, which can form groups of up to 80 individuals. The species is oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding. It primarily feeds on a variety of invertebrates, making it an active participant in its ecosystem. For divers, encountering the Elegant Wrasse involves observing its social behavior and territorial nature. Although it is harmless to humans and not of interest to fisheries, it is part of the aquarium trade. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.