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Yellowbreasted wrasse (Anampses twistii) — Labridae

Yellowbreasted wrasse

Anampses twistii
Family: Labridae

The Yellowbreasted wrasse (Anampses twistii) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5–30 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Fiji and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The yellowbreasted wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a dark-brown body densely covered with fine blue spots, a yellow breast and two black eyespots on the rear dorsal and anal fins. As a reef-dweller it swims by day over coral-rich reefs and picks small invertebrates from the reef with projecting teeth. Like many wrasses it changes sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellowbreasted wrasse?

The Yellowbreasted wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Yellowbreasted wrasse live?

The Yellowbreasted wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Fiji and others

How big does the Yellowbreasted wrasse get?

The Yellowbreasted wrasse grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Yellowbreasted wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellowbreasted wrasse is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Yellowbreasted wrasse edible?

Yes, the Yellowbreasted wrasse is commonly eaten.

More photos

Yellowbreasted wrasse (Anampses twistii) — Labridae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Julien Renoult (CC BY 4.0)
Yellowbreasted wrasse (Anampses twistii) — Labridae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Philippe Bourjon (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Yellowbreasted wrasse (Anampses twistii) — Labridae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Julien Renoult (CC BY 4.0)
Yellowbreasted wrasse (Anampses twistii) — Labridae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellowbreasted wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Anampses twistii
Family
Labridae
Other names
Twister wrasse; Yellowbreast wrasse; Yellowbreasted wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5 verified
Max depth (m)
30 verified
Natural range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Fiji and others sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Anampses

More from the family Labridae

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