Ornate Leopard Wrasse
A leopard wrasse patterned in intricate orange and green reticulation over a pale body. Beautiful, delicate and demanding.
Feeding
Feeds on tiny invertebrates picked from rock and sand. Frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp several times daily, plus a mature system with a live pod population.
Compatibility
Reef safe with corals but hunts small invertebrates. Peaceful and easily outcompeted at feeding.
Behaviour and personality
Picks constantly at rock and sand all day. Buries in the sand bed to sleep and when startled.
Before you buy
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| System maturity | Must have a mature system with a live pod population |
| Substrate | Deep fine sand bed required |
| Feeding frequency | Several feedings per day |
| Health note | Often arrives underweight; may starve without proper setup |
FAQ
What does the leopard wrasse eat?
Feeds on tiny invertebrates picked from rock and sand. Requires frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and daily feedings in a mature system with live invertebrates.
Is it safe to keep with corals?
Yes, it is reef safe with corals, though it hunts small invertebrates and may outcompete them for food.
How does it behave in the tank?
Constantly picks at rocks and sand throughout the day. Buries itself in the sand bed to sleep and will hide when startled.
Alan Dyer –
The wrasse looks stunning with its detailed orange and green pattern. It’s active and curious, always exploring the sand bed. I had to set up a mature tank with live invertebrates and daily feedings to keep it healthy. It’s not for beginners due to its feeding demands.
Simon Chapman –
Arrived a bit underweight, which made me worry. After adding a deep sand bed and feeding it mysis daily, it started to thrive. Still cautious around small invertebrates, but overall a beautiful addition to my reef.
Sally Russell –
The coloration is exceptional. It spends most of its time digging in the sand and is very active. I made sure my tank had a mature system and live food sources. It’s a striking fish that adds life to the tank.