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Basics

Scientific Name: Macropharyngodon ornatus 

Family: Labridae

Origin: Indo-Pacific

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Expert Only
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lifespan: 5-7 years
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Maximum Size: 5"
• Diet: Carnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Overview

The Ornate Leopard Wrasse, also commonly called the False Leopard Wrasse, is reddish orange in color and covered in a multitude of intricate green markings throughout their body. Females have a black spot on the top of their backs aligned with their pectoral fin. Interestingly, they are all born female and when the need arises will change into males. 

The tank should have a tight fitting lid to prevent jumping. They will do best in a well established reef tank with a sandy substrate and plenty of live rock to hide in. They are a peaceful community fish and can live with a variety of tankmates and are one of the few wrasses who do well in groups of their own species or genus. The group should be all females or a few females and one male. They are not a hardy wrasse and can be difficult to keep alive due to difficulties adapting to captivity.*

They should be fed frozen mysis and brine shrimp, high quality pellet and flake foods, and other meaty preparations.

* = Our fully quarantined, healthy wrasses have acclimated to captivity properly and are readily feeding on frozen foods.