Wrasse – Melagris Leopard

Melagris Leopard Wrasse Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  80 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 15cm (6″)

Diet: Carnivore (Eats frozen)

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Scientific Name: Macropharyngodon Meleagris

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Approx. Purchase Size:   1 – 2 inches

The melagris leopard wrasse, scientific name Macropharyngodon Meleagris is a peaceful fish. Their minimum tank size is 80 gallons. Melagris leopard wrasses can grow up to 6” and can live up to 10 years. Melagris leopards are carnivores and should be fed frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp. Leopard wrasses are pod eaters and will hunt continuously for small pods found in the aquarium. Leopard wrasses can be trained to eat frozen foods but will be healthier and happier in a tank where they can hunt live food as well. Melagris leopards should be kept singly, in mated pairs or small herums with one male and multiple females. Keeping multiple of the same species requires adequate space and rockwork. All leopard wrasses start as females, if there is multiple kept together and no male is present, the dominant female will turn often into a male. Female melagris are mainly white, orange and blackish/purple while males are orange with blue spots. Melagris leopards can be kept with other leopards/wrasses. Melagris leopard wrasses are reef safe, they will not bother coral or invertebrates. Leopard wrasses dive into the sand to sleep at night and will not do well in a tank without sand, the sand bed should be thick enough to completely cover them, atleast 2-3”. During the day they will be swimming throughout the tank. Wrasses are known for jumping and require a tight fighting lid.