Leopard Wrasse

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingDemanding tank care

  Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment4–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Parasites · Nutritional deficiency

The Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon meleagris) is an Indo-Pacific species reaching about 12 to 15 cm. Females are white or cream covered in dark-ringed spots; males take on a green base with orange and blue markings. It buries in fine sand at night and often for the first days after introduction, which alarms new owners who assume it has died. This is an expert-level fish and the guide should say so plainly. Most losses happen in the first weeks because it arrives underweight, refuses prepared food, and starves while looking healthy. Success generally requires a mature reef of 250 litres or more with a deep fine sand bed, abundant live rock with a self-sustaining copepod and amphipod population, and stable 24-26C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. Buy only a plump individual observed eating, quarantine gently, and offer live copepods, live brine and frozen mysis several times daily until it converts to prepared foods. It is peaceful and coral safe, but it is not a fish for a young tank.

• How active is a Leopard Wrasse?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Leopard Wrasse need?

  Demanding tank care. Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• What tank size does a Leopard Wrasse need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Leopard Wrasse a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Leopard Wrasse live?

  4–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Leopard Wrasse?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Parasites, Nutritional deficiency. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

Be the first to join this community!