Black leopard wrasse

The black leopard wrasse (Macropharyngodon negrosensis) is a small marine wrasse of the family Labridae, native to reefs of the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. It has an ornate pattern of dark spots and reticulations over a lighter body, with coloration differing between males and females. Like other leopard wrasses, it buries itself in sand at night and when stressed. It is a peaceful, somewhat shy species that mixes well in a calm community and does best when other fish are not overly boisterous. Multiple individuals can sometimes be kept together in larger systems. A mature reef aquarium with a deep sand bed and abundant live rock is important, as it grazes on tiny crustaceans and other microfauna. This diet requirement makes it a delicate species that needs an established tank and frequent small feedings of enriched frozen foods. It is considered reef-safe. Captive breeding is not established.