A great Leopard Black Wrasse!
Origin: Eastern Asia

Size info:
Size M: approx. 2 - 3"

There once was a Leopard Black Wrasse,
With an appetite no one could surpass,
It ate crustaceans and fish,
Which was quite a tasty dish,
And its colors were truly first-class.

This fish has an incredible ability to change its color and pattern, which helps it blend in with its surroundings and avoid predators. It also has a unique feeding behavior where it eats the entire contents of a crab's shell, including the shell itself. The Leopard Black Wrasse can be found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the waters around the Philippines.

Keeping Leopard Black Wrasse in an Aquarium

The Leopard Black Wrasse, also known as Macropharyngodon negrosensis, is a stunning fish that can be a great addition to a saltwater aquarium. Here are some things to consider when keeping this fish:

Tank Size and Setup

The Leopard Black Wrasse can grow up to 5 inches in length, so a tank of at least 75 gallons is recommended. They are also jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is necessary. This fish prefers a sandy substrate and plenty of hiding places, such as live rock and coral.

Water Conditions

These fish are native to the Indo-Pacific region and thrive in water with a temperature range of 72-78°F and a pH range of 8.1-8.4. They also require a high level of water quality, so a good filtration system and regular water changes are important.

Diet

The Leopard Black Wrasse is a carnivore and needs a diet that includes a variety of meaty foods, such as frozen shrimp, krill, and chopped fish. They may also eat small crustaceans in the aquarium, so it's important to provide enough food to prevent them from hunting other tank inhabitants.

Behavior

The Leopard Black Wrasse is a peaceful fish that can be kept with other non-aggressive species. However, they may become territorial towards other wrasses of the same genus. They are also known for their unique swimming behavior, where they appear to "walk" along the bottom of the tank on their pectoral fins.

Coolest Stuff

One of the coolest things about the Leopard Black Wrasse is their ability to change color and pattern. They can go from a solid black color to a spotted pattern, and even change the size and shape of their spots. They are also known for their intricate mating rituals, where the male will build a nest out of sand and try to attract a female to lay her eggs there.