Leopard Wrasse - Macropharyngodon meleagris - Leopard Wrasse

Leopard Wrasse - Macropharyngodon meleagris: The Leopard Wrasse is also known as the Guinea Fowl Wrasse, or Blackspotted Wrasse. Depending on the gender their appearances vary. Females of this species have a distinct white colour with multiple black or brown irregular spots with white to blue margins covering their whole body. Accents of yellow or tan is found over the female's fins. Males have an orangy-red color with green mottling covering their entire body.

The Leopard Wrasse is generally considered to be reef safe. The Leopard Wrasse may eat micro crustaceans but they do not disturb the coral. Once adjusted to aquarium life the Leopard Wrasse, is a wonderful peaceful community fish. The Leopard Wrasse is also one of the few wrasses that can be kept with its own species as well as the same genus. In both cases however, the Leopard Wrasse is harmonious provided the mix is all females with just one male.

The Leopard Wrasse exhibits a variety of curious behaviors. Their sleeping habits would be distinct as they are on Indo-Pacific time. When approached by a predator, it would perform a dance to safeguard itself from the danger. Also as a protection in their natural habitat, the Leopard Wrasse performs a little dance, which is really strange to a possible predator. Often, it escapes because the predator would get confused owing to this anomalous behaviour. If that tactic doesn’t work then the sandbar will provide a perfect place for escape, and a puff of sand is the only indication that the wrasse is still alive. Leopard Wrasses have been known to live from 5 to 8 years in captivity.

Due to their complexity in maintaining this specialized species the Leopard Wrasse, or Blackspotted Wrasse should only be attempted by advanced aquarists as they are very difficult to keep. A well established reef tank, with lots of micro-crustaceans flourishing in the environment would be an ideal home which would ensure the safety of the Leopard Wrasse. And it should not be kept with other types of fish which would compete with it for food.

Maximum Size: The Leopard Wrasse can grow up to 6 inches

General Size Specifications: This fish will come to you generally between 4-5 inches

Minimum Tank Size: A 55 gallon or larger aquarium is needed for this variety of fish. The tank should be filled with live rock and a thin layer of live sand is recommended.

Habitat: Range: Indo-Pacific

Feeding and Diet: Leopard Wrasse eats small invertebrates (foraminiferans and amphipods) that grow on live rock. And it should be supplemented with mussel meat, shrimp.

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