ExpertPeacefulReef Safe

Black Leopard Wrasse

Macropharyngodon negrosensis

Family: Labridae · Wrasses

Also known as: Yellow-Spotted Wrasse, Negros Wrasse, Black Spotted Leopard Wrasse

Max Size

4.5"

Min Tank

55 gal

Lifespan

5-8 years

Origin

Western Pacific, Indonesia

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Black Leopard Wrasse is a stunning and delicate species featuring a dark body covered in an intricate pattern of light blue to white spots, giving it the distinctive leopard appearance that the Macropharyngodon genus is known for. Males develop more intense coloration with brighter spot patterns and often greenish undertones, while females tend to display darker backgrounds with less vivid markings.

This species is considered expert-only due to its extremely specialized feeding requirements. In the wild, Black Leopard Wrasses feed on tiny benthic invertebrates that they pick from the substrate and live rock throughout the day. Many individuals struggle to transition to prepared aquarium foods, and without constant access to live copepods and other microfauna, they can waste away rapidly.

The Black Leopard Wrasse is a sand sleeper that buries itself in the substrate at night. A mature aquarium with a well-established sand bed, abundant live rock, and a thriving copepod population is essential. A refugium connected to the display tank significantly improves long-term success by providing a constant supply of live food. This species is peaceful and reef safe but demands expert-level dedication.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

The Black Leopard Wrasse is a specialized micropredator that feeds on tiny benthic invertebrates, copepods, and amphipods in the wild. Transitioning to prepared foods is extremely difficult. A mature aquarium with abundant live copepods and microfauna is essential. Some individuals may eventually accept frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and finely chopped mysis shrimp. A connected refugium is highly recommended to sustain live food populations.

Compatibility

reef-safepeacefulexpert-onlysand-sleeperdelicate-feeder

The Black Leopard Wrasse is completely peaceful and will not bother any tankmates. However, it should not be kept with aggressive feeders that will outcompete it for food. Avoid housing with other leopard wrasses unless the tank is very large with ample food resources. Ideal companions include peaceful reef fish that do not compete for the same benthic food sources.

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Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Black Leopard Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites. The dominant individual in a group will become male. Spawning involves pelagic egg release in the water column. Captive breeding has not been achieved. All specimens are wild-caught.