Vermiculate Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon Bipartitus)
Species Name : Macropharyngodon Bipartitus
Care Level : Expert Only
Temperament Peaceful
Color : Blue, Green, Orange, Tan, Yellow
Diet : Carnivore
Reef Compatible : Yes
Water Conditions :sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size : 5"
Origin : Indian Ocean
Family : Labridae
Minimum Tank Size : 50 gallons
The Vermiculate Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon Bipartitus) is one of the most beautiful, desirable fish in the aquarium trade. This wrasse is highly sought after for its incredible coloration, rare availability, and challenging reputation. Other names are Peacock Leopard Wrasse, African Leopard Wrasse, Blue Star Leopard Wrasse or Divided Wrasse.
The coloration ofVermiculate Leopard Wrasses is nearly indescribable. They have a long body shape with pronounced lips and very large pharyngeal teeth. Juveniles and females are red in color with light yellow or white splotches creating a molted pattern throughout their body. On the underside is a dark patch with electric blue splotches. As this fish matures into a male its color changes drastically becoming a mix of green, red, purple, and blue splotches and stripes. The male is about 13-15 cm long, the female is usually a bit smaller.
Like other members of the genus Macropharyngodon these fishes require a fine sandy substrate as they bury themselves at night for protection. They require a very well established aquarium as they naturally hunt for small crustaceans throughout the day. Like most wrasses, they may jump from a tank, so a tight-fitting lid is required.
The leopard wrasse is very calm and should be housed with peaceful tank mates. It will fight with others of its kind or those in the same genus. It is better to keep one male and several females.
Like other Labroids these fishes have the ability to change sex, as the most dominant fish in the group can turn into a fully functioning male.
The Vermiculate Leopard Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. Macropharyngodon Bipartitus have a small mouth, so keep this in mind with the size of the food.
Size: Small 1-1/4" to 2", Medium 2" to 2-3/4", Large 3" to 4"