About Leopard Wrasse
Leopard wrasse — stunning spotted pattern, but obligate copepod feeder. Only buy from suppliers who confirm the specimen is eating, and only put it in a mature system with a thriving pod population (or refugium feed).
Macropharyngodon meleagris, the black-spotted wrasse, Eastern leopard wrasse or reticulated wrasse, is a species of ray-finned fish from the family Labridae, the wrasses. This species is native to the eastern Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It lives on coral reefs at depths of from the surface to 30 metres (98 ft). This species can reach a length of 15 centimetres (5.9 in) SL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. Juveniles display different color patterns than adults with dominating light colors and eyespots blending in with soft coral habitats and potentially avoiding predation.
Notes from the editors
What it looks like. Stunning spotted patterning — males have dark spots on a yellow body, females have similar patterning with green-blue accents. One of the most photogenic small wrasses.
In your tank. Obligate copepod feeder. Most specimens lost in the first weeks are lost to feeding refusal. Only buy from suppliers who confirm the specimen is eating prepared foods, and only put it in a mature system with a thriving pod population.
Care notes. Active sand-sleeper — needs a deep sand bed (2+ inches). Reef-safe and peaceful with most tankmates. Jumper — tight-fitting lid required.
Sourcing and feeding. Wild-collected from Indo-Pacific reefs ($60–150). Quarantine while confirming feeding. Carnivore — copepods, mysis, brine; multiple small feedings daily.
Care info is a starting point, not a guarantee. Individual specimens, water chemistry, and tankmate dynamics vary. Verify against multiple sources and adjust to what you observe. See our terms & disclaimers.
Related fish
Sources & attribution
- Taxonomy and accepted name from the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS AphiaID 219028).
- Description content adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Photo: Mark Rosenstein · CC BY 3.0 (via iNaturalist or Wikimedia Commons).