Lined Tamarin Wrasse - Anampses lineatus

Lined Tamarin Wrasse (Anampses lineatus)

The Lined Tamarin Wrasse, Anampses lineatus, is a delicate and highly attractive marine wrasse, admired for its fine lined patterning, active swimming behaviour and naturally inquisitive feeding style. Also known as the Lined Wrasse, this species belongs to the specialist Anampses group of wrasses, which are best suited to mature reef aquariums with peaceful tank mates, a soft sand bed and plenty of established live rock. It can be a stunning addition to a carefully managed reef system, but it is not a beginner wrasse and should only be kept by experienced marine fishkeepers.

Common Name:
Lined Tamarin Wrasse, Lined Wrasse, Tamarin Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Anampses lineatus

Maximum Size:
Around 13 cm, making it a medium-sized but active wrasse that needs good swimming space and a mature aquarium.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across parts of the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, South Africa and eastwards towards Bali and surrounding reef regions. In the wild, Lined Tamarin Wrasse inhabit lagoon reefs and seaward reefs, often in deeper reef zones. Juveniles are usually more solitary, while adults may form small groups with several females and a dominant male.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Peaceful to mildly territorial. Lined Tamarin Wrasse are generally not aggressive, but they can be shy, delicate and easily outcompeted by boisterous tank mates. Best kept with peaceful reef fish that will allow them to settle, feed and explore without pressure. Avoid aggressive wrasses, dottybacks, triggers, large hawkfish or dominant tangs that may intimidate them.

Diet:
Carnivorous micro-predator. In the wild, this species feeds on small crustaceans, worms, molluscs and other tiny reef animals. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, cyclops, copepod-based foods, finely chopped clam, mussel, prawn and high-quality small marine pellets. Frequent small feeds are strongly recommended, especially when newly introduced. Live foods can be useful if the fish is slow to accept prepared foods.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical minimum of around 400 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger mature reef aquariums preferred. The aquarium should include established live rock, caves, crevices, open swimming space and a soft sand bed deep enough for burying.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active and graceful reef wrasse that spends much of the day exploring rockwork, picking at tiny foods and swimming through open areas. Like many specialist wrasses, it may bury itself in the sand when sleeping, frightened or settling into a new aquarium. It can hide for periods after introduction, especially while adjusting to a new routine. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as wrasses are strong jumpers when startled.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Lined Tamarin Wrasse are generally considered safe with corals and do not normally nip coral tissue or clam mantles. However, they may eat very small crustaceans, tiny worms, pods, small snails or other microfauna as part of their natural diet. They are best described as reef safe with caution because they are suitable for coral reef aquariums, but not ideal where very small ornamental invertebrates are a priority.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best suited to experienced marine fishkeepers with mature reef systems. This species needs a soft sand bed, peaceful tank mates, stable water quality and regular access to small foods. Avoid bare-bottom aquariums, sharp substrates and newly set up systems with limited natural microfauna. Quarantine and acclimation should be handled carefully, as Anampses wrasses can be sensitive to stress and may refuse food during the settling period. Introduce before more assertive wrasses where possible, and monitor feeding closely for the first few weeks.

Suitable for:
Experienced fishkeepers

Availability:
Specialist marine wrasse / Occasionally available in the marine aquarium trade, with availability varying depending on supplier, size and import season

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.