Common name: Fragile cardinalfish

General information

The Leopard Wrasse, Zoramia fragilis, is a small and colorful reef fish known for its distinctive spotted pattern that resembles a leopard's coat. This species is part of the wrasse family, which is known for its vibrant colors and dynamic behaviors. Leopard Wrasses are popular among aquarists for their beauty and their ability to control pests like bristle worms and flatworms.

Care

Leopard Wrasses are considered moderate to care for due to their specific dietary and environmental needs. They require a well-established reef tank with a sandy substrate for burrowing and plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. A varied diet of small, meaty foods such as copepods, amphipods, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their health. It's important to note that they may not adapt well to prepared foods initially and should be acclimated carefully.

Reproduction

In the wild, Leopard Wrasses are known to form harems consisting of one male and several females. They exhibit fascinating courtship displays, with males performing elaborate dances to attract females. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with plenty of hiding spaces can encourage natural behaviors.

Habitat

Zoramia fragilis is 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 includes a variety of coral and rocky substrates where they can hunt for small invertebrates.