Common name: Sneaky wrasse
General information
The Leopard Wrasse, also known as the Spotted Wrasse, is a colorful and active fish that adds both beauty and intrigue to a saltwater aquarium. Its scientific name is Pteragogus guttatus. This species is known for its distinctive spotted pattern, which provides excellent camouflage among the coral reefs where it resides. The Leopard Wrasse is a member of the Labridae family, which includes other popular aquarium wrasses.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 150 liter (40 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers complex rockwork
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusDartfishPteragogus
- SpeciesSneaky wrassePteragogus guttatus (Fowler & Bean, 1928)
- SynonymsDuymaeria guttata Fowler & Bean, 1928Pterogogus guttatus (Fowler & Bean, 1928)
Care
Leopard Wrasses are considered moderate to difficult to keep due to their specific dietary and environmental needs. They require a well-established aquarium with a thick sand bed for burrowing and plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. A peaceful tank with a stable environment and no aggressive tank mates is essential. They primarily feed on small invertebrates, so a diet rich in live foods, such as copepods and amphipods, is beneficial for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Leopard Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male later in life. This change usually occurs when there is an absence of a dominant male in the group. In the aquarium, breeding Leopard Wrasses can be challenging due to their complex social structure and the need for precise environmental conditions.
Habitat
Leopard Wrasses are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs, usually at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Their natural habitat is characterized by clear waters with abundant coral growth and sandy substrates.