Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon Meleagris)

Species Name : Macropharyngodon Meleagris

Care Level : Expert Only

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red, Tan, White

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 6"

Origin : Cook Islands, Coral Sea, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Tonga

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 90 gallons

The Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon Meleagris) is also known as the Guinea Fowl Wrasse, or Blackspotted Wrasse. Leopard wrasses make colorful and active additions to any reef tank.

This species has two different appearances depending on gender. Females are white with multiple black or brown irregular spots with white to blue margins covering the entire body. The female's fins may have accents of yellow or tan. The males have an orangish-red background color with green mottling covering the body. The Leopard Wrasse grows to a maximum size of 6 inches (15 cm).

A 90 gallon or larger aquarium is recommended with well-established live rock and a layer of live sand 1-2 inches or more thick to create enough space for these fish to feel safe and burrow.

The best tank mates for Leopard Wrasses are Banggai Cardinalfish, Blue Tang, Copperband Butterflyfish, Flame Angelfish, Gem Tang, Midas Blenny, Powder Brown Tang, Sailfin Tang, Starry Blenny, and Yellow Tang. They get along with all other reef fishes, with the exception at times of members of their own genus. They will do best when introduced in groups of three or more.

They like to hunt around the live rock and dig into the sand, but they have no interest in coral reefs. The Leopard Wrasse should not harm any cleaner shrimp, feather dusters, or small crabs. They’re also helpful for anyone struggling to protect their Tridacna clams from troublesome pests. 

Feeding Leopard Wrasses is where many aquarists struggle. The Leopard Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. A Leopard fed only a couple of times a day will quickly starve. You need to feed them at least 4-5 times a day. 

Size: Small: 1" to 1-3/4"; Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/4"; Large: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"