Common name: Vermiculate wrasse

General information

The Blue Star Leopard Wrasse, scientifically known as Macropharyngodon bipartitus, is a striking and active fish that adds both beauty and intrigue to a reef aquarium. This species is known for its vibrant coloration, with males displaying a blue body adorned with leopard-like spots and a distinctive orange and black stripe that runs through the eye. Females and juveniles are more subdued in color but still exhibit an attractive pattern of spots and stripes.

Care

Blue Star Leopard Wrasses are known for their specific care requirements. They are best suited for established reef aquariums with a thick sand bed, as they are sand burrowers and use the substrate for sleeping and hiding. These wrasses are also known for their diet of small crustaceans and parasites, making them beneficial for pest control. However, they can be picky eaters, so a varied diet of live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is recommended to maintain their health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blue Star Leopard Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is removed from the group. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but if conditions are optimal and a group is kept, there is a possibility for natural sex change and spawning.

Habitat

Macropharyngodon bipartitus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to South Africa and east to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs, often seen at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Their natural environment is characterized by clear waters with plenty of live rock and coral for foraging and shelter.