Splendid Pintail Wrasse

The Splendid Pintail Wrasse is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful wrasses in the world, and it is equally regarded as one of the most challenging to keep in captivity. Females display a stunning orange body covered in electric blue horizontal stripes that create a breathtaking visual effect. Males develop an even more dramatic coloration with intensified blue patterning and elongated tail filaments that give the species its "pintail" common name.

This species belongs to the Anampses genus, a group notorious for their difficulty in captivity. The primary challenge is getting them to feed. Splendid Pintail Wrasses are specialized feeders that target tiny invertebrates on live rock and coral surfaces. In captivity, many refuse prepared foods for extended periods, and starvation is the leading cause of mortality. Only aquarists with extensive experience, well-established reef tanks with abundant live rock and natural microfauna, and the patience to slowly convert these fish to prepared foods should attempt this species.

When successfully acclimated, the Splendid Pintail Wrasse is a peaceful, reef-safe species that adds unparalleled beauty to a mature reef aquarium. It does not bother corals or larger invertebrates and coexists peacefully with other fish. However, the extreme difficulty of establishing feeding makes this strictly an expert-only species.