Yellowtail Wrasse EXPERT (Anampses Meleagrides)
Also Known As: Yellowtail Tamarin Wrasse
Compatibility and Behavior The Yellowtail Wrasse is a rare, genuinely sought-after species from Africa — one that tends to draw attention the moment it starts darting through the rockwork. In the right setting, it's generally peaceful toward other non-aggressive fish, but it can become stressed or outcompeted when housed with boisterous or pushy tankmates. A calm, community-style reef is really where this fish belongs. It's considered reef safe with corals and most sessile invertebrates, though it will naturally graze on the small organisms it finds in rock and sand — which is actually part of why it needs such a well-established system to do well. This isn't a beginner fish; it's one for experienced hobbyists who have the patience and the setup to support it properly.
Aquarium Requirements Everything about keeping the Yellowtail Wrasse successfully comes back to having a mature, established reef. Rich microfauna populations, abundant live rock for grazing and shelter, and a deep, soft sand bed — at least three inches — are all non-negotiable. This fish routinely dives into the substrate at night and when startled, and a tank without adequate sand depth puts it under chronic stress. Tank size depends on the size of the fish: smaller individuals can get by in 50 gallons, but adults need something in the 90–125 gallon range to have the open swimming room and territory they're looking for. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential — this genus jumps, and it happens fast. Feed frequently with small, meaty offerings: enriched mysis, live or frozen pods, finely chopped marine meats, and other tiny crustaceans to supplement what it hunts on its own.
Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5–2", Md: 2–3", Lg: 3–4"
Diet: Carnivore; microcrustaceans, pods, frozen mysis, live baby brine shrimp
Origin: Indo-Pacific, reef slopes and sandy margins
Care Level: Expert only
Reef Safe: Yes; may reduce populations of small sand- and rock-dwelling microfauna
Temperament: Peaceful to moderately shy; best with non-aggressive tankmates
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons (small); 90–125 gallons (adult)
Special Considerations: Requires a mature tank with established microfauna; fine sand bed minimum 3" deep; tight-fitting lid essential
Pairs well with
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Shipping Information
- Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday. Orders will be shipped overnight on the soonest possible shipping day, unless you request to hold the order for up to one business day.
- Your order will ship same-day if placed before 12:30 PM PST on a shipping day.
- Orders placed after 12:30 PM PST will ship on the next shipping day.
- Stay tuned to our Announcement Bar (black bar at the top of every page) for important shipping announcements...we may reach our max limit of orders we can ship on Mondays.
- If it is very hot, very cold, or if you live in a rural area, ship to a UPS Access Point to save your livestock from hours of exposure to the elements. Click here to see how.
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FAQ’s
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if UPS is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a UPS Access Point, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
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Contact Us
Send us an email at sales@reefbeauties.com and we will get back to you shortly.
We do not offer phone calls. We handle our inquiries with timely emails to ensure a qualified and high-quality response, to have all conversations on record, and to avoid miscommunications that can occur over the phone.
Free shipping on orders over $199!
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if FedEx is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a FedEx Ship Center, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.