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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Labridae (Hogfish, Wrasses)
Natural Range: Western Pacific Ocean
Depth: 8 to 32 ft. Size: 4 in. Jumps: Yes Space: 75+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Small invertebrates
Natural History: The black leopard wrasse is often found in pairs or small groups on deep soft-bottomed slopes. It generally swims close to the sea bed. When approached by other species it moves up and down in an unusual way to confuse the potential predator. Males are often territorial and will generally battle other males. Juveniles will bury in the sand for protection.
Husbandry: The Black Leopard Wrasse should be provided open tank space, live rock, and a sand bottom. They regularly bury themselves in the sand and will pick at sand and rock to forage for food. A refugium helps with producing the copepods necessary to house a healthy Black Leopard Wrasse. A dewormer (fenbendazole, piperazine) has been suggested for these wrasses that lose weight but feed normally. This species is peaceful and should not be housed with aggressive tankmates.
AKA: Yellowspotted Wrasses