LEOPARD WRASSE FOTM Sep. 08'

Common name: Leopord wrasse (aka's Guinea fowl & Blackspotted)
Scientific name: Macropharyngodon meleagris
Reef Safe: YES. Known to be very beneficial in reef tanks controlling various nuisances in our tanks. I have seen mine yank a bristleworm out of a rock.:-Xouch.
Attitude:Determined, active, careless. They seem to have the same temperment as a six-line wrasse(although not as boisterous). Always scouring rocks and structure for a meal. Mine doesn't seem to care about anyone/anything in the tank except for pods and whatever meal they may come upon.
Diet:Omnnivorous. Be selective when purchasing this fish. They are known to be picky eaters. Although, mine readily accepts any prepared foods added at feeding time. An ample pod/microfauna population is definitely recommended.
EDITED Diet info: I recently changed the specific diet of this fish because mine will readily eat greens. This includes nori and broccoli. Strangely enough mine loves to eat coralline also. I'm pretty sure it would any thing short of a toenail.
Origin: Indo Pacific
Care: Be sure to have a sand substrate. This fish will burrow into the sand to call it a night and as an escape from predation. Not known to be hardy until after acclimation to the reef. Once acclimated and in the right setting it will become a hardy addition.



Personal Observations: I have found this to be a great fish to watch. This was my replacement for my six-line that went carpet surfing. I am very happy with this purchase/addition. It is neat to watch it burrow into the sand for the night. I have not read about them to be potential jumpers but, observing the fishes somewhat skittish/speedy maneuvering, can see it as a potential. When I first added/acclimated the fish it was rarely seen for a day or two. Fear no evil if the fish becomes missing for a few days. It can stay burrowed for a couple of weeks
A great site for more info and reference:
The Leopards of the Reef by Henry C. Schultz III - Reefkeeping.com
There are many different varieties of (commonly called) leopord wrasses. Do your homework before purchasing to ensure a happy healthy addition to your tank as with all corals and new additions.
Here's a video of bogie's calling it a night.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/tropical-fish/video-leopard-wrasse-calling-night-47574.html


Please add picture of your Leopord Wrasses here and share your experience. Please add any additional experience/info I may have left out or, contradicted.
CHEERS,
Missionsix
Case;D;D

 

Looks like you have the "blue star" leopord wrasse MaMol. Awesome fish. Thanks for sharing.

 

I'm pretty much expecting a pic from you Eric.;D Didn't think of it but, I hope there isn't any copyright infringement: with the use of your video. When you "google" leopord wrasse your video is at the top of the page. Had to throw it in.
Interestingly (after cruising around the net today) when the leopord wakes up and comes to. They are a little groggy for a little bit. I've never seen mine wake up and pop out of the sand yet. I have seen it burrow down for the night though. Very cool.