Ornate Leopard Wrasse
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Keep this attractive species with live rock to enable it to forage on the associated micro-invertebrate fauna. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This strikingly patterned wrasse is not a threat to most ornamental invertebrates and will aid the reef aquarist in controlling pyramidellid snails and commensal flatworms.
Family: Labridae
Other common name(s):
- False Leopard
- Ornate Wrasse
Native range:
Habitat: In the wild, this species is found inhabiting lagoon and sheltered seaward reefs, in areas with mixed sand, rubble, and coral.
Maximum length: 13 cm (5 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Keep in a tank with live rock. Although it should be fed a variety of prepared and live foods once a day, the presence of live rock will enable it to forage continually on the associated micro-invertebrate fauna (e.g., foraminiferans). It is a good practice to replace an old piece of live rock from time to time with a new one to replenish the natural stocks of food.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
This fish is rarely aggressive toward other species or even members of its own species. If you want to keep more than one M. ornatus in your tank, however, it is advisable to add them all at the same time and to keep only one male per tank.
[edit] Special Care
It is easily intimidated by aggressive fishes and will perish in competitive situations. A 2-in. (5-cm) layer of fine sand will increase your chances of success.
| Common name | Ornate Leopard Wrasse +, False Leopard +, and Ornate Wrasse + |
| Family | Labridae + |
| Genus | Macropharyngodon + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 5 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 30 gal + |
| Native range | Sri Lanka +, Western Australia +, Indonesia +, and New Guinea + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | ornatus + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |