• English Name : Spotted wrasse Yellowtail
  • Local Name : Koveli hikaa
  • Size : Max. 21 cm
  • Family : LABRIDAE
  • Order : Perciformes
  • Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 9 spines and 12 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 12 rays. Pectoral fin with 13 rays. Gill rakers on the first gill arch 18-20. Body depth 3.1-3.4 in standard length. Body moderately elongated. No median predorsal scales. Caudal fin truncate to emarginate.
  • Colour: Females dark brown with numerous small round dark spots, tail yellow. Males dark orange-brown with numerous fine blue markings (vertical on sides, horizontal on belly, irregular on head, spots and a white crescent posteriorly on tail).
  • Habitat and Biology: Found in atoll rim reefs. Abundant in areas of rich coral growth. Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
  • Remarks: Anampses meleagrides is a beautiful species which is widespread on Maldivian reefs. A. amboinensis Bleeker is a synonym based on the male form. A popular aquarium fish.
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Biodiversity of Maldives
Biodiversity of Maldives