The Yellow-breasted Wrasse, Anampses twistii, reaches a maximum length of 18 cm (7.1 in). Its body is elongated and compressed, appearing dark greenish-brown to blackish, with the entire lower head and chest a distinctive bright yellow. A prominent pale spot or short bar typically marks the body just behind the eye. The pectoral fins feature a broad white bar at their base. Males and females display similar coloration, with the yellow breast being a consistent identifying feature across life stages. The specific name honours Albertus Jacobus Duymaer van Twist (1809-1887), Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies from 1851 to 1856.
This species inhabits clear coastal and outer reef environments, typically found among rich coral growth on reef slopes, along channel edges, and in areas with mixed sand and rubble. It occurs at depths ranging from 5 to 30 m (16 to 98 ft). The wrasse feeds primarily on small invertebrates, which it actively scrapes from hard substrates. It is a diurnal species, usually observed solitarily or in small aggregations, foraging throughout the day. Like other wrasses, it likely buries itself in the sand at night for shelter. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals mature first as females and later may change sex to male. Anampses twistii is widespread across the Indo-Pacific, though it is considered uncommon but present in the 🌊 Red Sea. Its conservation status is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It holds minor importance in local commercial fisheries and occasionally appears in the aquarium trade.
The species. Anampses twistii Bleeker 1856 - Honours Albertus Jacobus Duymaer van Twist. ETYFish
- yellow chest and belly
- dark bar through the eye
- blue-green upper body
- blue margins on median fins
Why it's threatened
There are no known major threats to this species, though specimens are occasionally captured live for the marine aquarium fish trade, and others are occassionally sold in local fish markets for food.
Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.
