Black Spotted Leopard Wrasse, Male

Macropharyngodon Wrasse are also known as Leopard Wrasses. They should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for hunting and hiding. Leopard Wrasse are very active during the day looking for small invertebrates, crustaceans and snails. A deep sand bed is also needed for burrowing at night or when threatened. A diet of rich in meaty based foods should be provided, if Wrasse ignores preparations live foods such as small shrimp may need to be supplemented. Leopard Wrasse are hermaphroditic meaning females may at some point in their life may turn into a male. Leopard Wrasse can be difficult to house we recommend expert hobbyists only. Leopard Wrasse tend to be shy and easily harrassed but do thrive in a harem of 1 male and several females if added at the same time. Leopard Wrasse may be sensitive to copper be sure to monitor aquarium levels. Leopard Wrasse also see marked male and female color differences. Wrasse may jump be sure to provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Black Spotted Leopard Wrasse are sometimes also known as the Eastern Leopard or Reticulated Wrasse. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Male and female Black Spotted Leopard Wrasse may have different coloration. Male Black Spotted Leopard Wrasse are an overall orange to red color with black trimmed green spots on their body, green stripes on their head and a black spot on its shoulder with multiple yellow spots. Females will be more subdued with dark brown spots against a pale green body. Black Spotted Leopard Wrasse can grow to a little over 6".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 90 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH