Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon meleagris) Care Guide

A beautiful wrasse covered in intricate leopard-like spots that change pattern between males and females. Buries in sand at night. Requires an established tank with abundant live rock and a sand bed.

Overview

Macropharyngodon meleagris is a species in the family Labridae. A beautiful wrasse covered in intricate leopard-like spots that change pattern between males and females. Buries in sand at night. Requires an established tank with abundant live rock and a sand bed. Can be finicky about feeding initially but becomes hardier once acclimated.

Taxonomy

Family: Labridae
Genus: Macropharyngodon
Scientific name: Macropharyngodon meleagris
Other names: Guinea Fowl Wrasse
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific from the Cocos-Keeling Islands to the Tuamotus and from southern Japan to New Caledonia. Inhabits coral-rich lagoons and seaward reefs at depths of 2-30 m. Buries itself in the sand to sleep and during the early acclimation phase, requiring deep fine sand in captivity.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 10-14 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Tangs, Firefish Goby
Avoid with: Other Leopard Wrasses, Aggressive Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced