The Pearl Wrasse (Anampses cuvier) is a small tropical saltwater (marine) ray-finned fish. It is in the Labridae family.

The male Pearl Wrasse is blue with red eyes and white spots. The female Pearl Wrasse is reddish-brown with white spots and red eyes. It has red fins. It has a black spot on its tail and often black spots on the fin near the tail (anal fin). Its red dorsal fin (back fin) has 8-21 spines and 6-21 soft rays along most of its back. It has a thick lip, with folds inside the lip.

Pearl Wrasse

It can grow to about 20-35 centimetres (8-14 inches) long.

The Pearl Wrasse is from the Pacific Oean around the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Midway. It is common in marine reefs, particularly around rocks.

It is a carnivore, feeding on crabs, shrimps, aquatic shells, aquatic snails, and algae.

The Pearl Wrasse is oviparous – the female lays eggs.

Pearl Wrasse

Pearl Wrasse

Pearl Wrasse

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls:SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM