
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Macropharyngodon meleagris
A wrasse with beautiful leopard pattern. Delicate fish with habit of sleeping buried in sand.
The leopard wrasse (Macropharyngodon meleagris) is a western Pacific reef wrasse named for the dark spots scattered over a pale body; males and females are patterned differently. Adults reach 10-15 cm. Like most wrasses it buries itself in sand to sleep, so a fine sand bed of 5 cm or more is essential. It is among the harder wrasses to wean: in the wild it feeds on live copepods and tiny crustaceans, so freshly imported fish often refuse prepared foods and waste away. Success depends on putting a healthy specimen into a mature tank whose live rock is already producing a steady supply of micro-fauna. Once feeding it is hardy, but this is not a beginner's fish.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Leopard Wrasse lives 5-8 years.
The Leopard Wrasse grows to 10-15cm.
The ideal temperature for the Leopard Wrasse is 24〜26℃.
Origin
the eastern Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
10-15cm
Sources: LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
24〜26℃
Frozen food
Difficult to feed, not for beginners
Keep the water at 24–26°C and specific gravity at 1.023–1.025. A mature tank with well-seasoned live rock teeming with microfauna is a prerequisite.
It sleeps buried in sand at night, so a fine sand bed at least 5cm deep is essential. Adults reach 10–15cm.
Its main diet is live copepods and tiny crustaceans, and it often refuses prepared food right after import. Wean it gradually starting with frozen food.
Many waste away and die, so choose a healthy individual to begin with. Once it is feeding, it is a hardy fish.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Leopard Wrasse is 24〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Leopard Wrasse is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Leopard Wrasse typically reaches 10-15cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Leopard Wrasse feeds on: Frozen food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Leopard Wrasse varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026