Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Leopard Wrasse
Macropharyngodon meleagris
Also called Blackspotted wrasse, Black-spotted wrasse, Eastern leopard wrasse, Reticulated wrasse
From Indo-Pacific: from the Cocos-Keeling Islands in the eastern Indian Ocean across the western Pacific to the islands of Oceania12
At a glance the quick version
Retailer states 5+ years with good care; no scientific figure found
Looks how to spot one
Small, rounded reef wrasse with a spotted pattern
Females and young fish are whitish to greenish and covered in irregular black spots, giving the leopard look. Males turn orange-red with greenish-yellow spots edged in blue and black. Juveniles carry eye spots and light colours that help them blend into soft corals.123
Personality what they are like
A peaceful wrasse that can be kept in groups. Best suited to experienced reef keepers.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active swimmer that needs open space plus rocks and caves. At night it dives into the sand to sleep.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide a sand bed at least about 10 cm (4 in) deep for it to bury in and a covered tank, since it can jump. A retailer rates its care level as expert and suggests a long, patient acclimation.3
Home where they are happiest
A reef aquarium of at least 50 to 55 US gallons (about 190 to 210 L) with lots of live rock, caves and a deep sand bed. Water around 23 to 27 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4. In the wild it lives on reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs with mixed sand, rubble and coral, mostly from the surface to 30 m.312
Food basics what goes in the bowl
In the wild it eats mainly small snails and other hard-shelled prey, plus foraminiferans. In aquariums offer copepods, enriched brine and mysis shrimp, small meaty frozen foods and quality flakes.13
Company who they like around
The story where it all began
Achille Valenciennes described the species in 1839 as Julis meleagris, and it was later placed in the genus Macropharyngodon. It has gathered several synonyms over the years and is available in the aquarium trade.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Males and females look so different that they could pass for separate species: females are spotted black on pale green, males are orange-red.1
- 2
It sleeps buried in the sand at night.3
- 3
Young fish hide among soft corals, where their light colours and eye spots help them blend in.2
- 4
Its main wild food is tiny hard-shelled prey such as small snails.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2009)1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Leopard Wrasse. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Leopard Wrasse?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Always follow the food label and ask your vet for exact portions.31 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Leopard Wrasse eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats copepods, enriched brine and mysis shrimp, small meaty frozen foods, and quality flakes. Never feed it large or hard foods that could harm its small mouth; stick to the diet from a good breeder or vet.31
How much space does a Leopard Wrasse need?
A reef aquarium of at least 50 to 55 US gallons (about 190 to 210 L) is needed. It needs lots of live rock, caves, and a deep sand bed to feel secure.312
What temperature, light or water does a Leopard Wrasse need?
Keep water at 23 to 27 °C with pH 8.1 to 8.4. Furry Diary's plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly salinity checks. Use a covered tank with a deep sand bed for its nightly burying.312 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Leopard Wrasse's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly, testing water weekly, and changing 10 to 20% of the water every two weeks. Top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Leopard Wrasse live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful and can be kept singly or in groups; pairs form for breeding. It is best suited to experienced reef keepers and should be housed with other non-aggressive fish.31
How long does a Leopard Wrasse live?
It can live up to 5 years with proper care. Providing a stable, clean environment and a good diet helps it reach its full lifespan.3
Can I handle a Leopard Wrasse?
No, handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage its delicate skin. It is an active swimmer that needs open space and a deep sand bed to bury in, not human touch.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Red Coris WrasseWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Macropharyngodon meleagris, Blackspotted wrasse fishbase.seused for distribution, size, depth, temperature, habitat, diet, colours, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Macropharyngodon meleagris en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, juvenile camouflage, taxonomy history
- Saltwaterfish.com: Leopard Wrasse saltwaterfish.comused for aquarium care, tank size, water, lifespan, sand bed, diet, temperament
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.