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Blackspotted wrasse (Macropharyngodon meleagris) — Labridae

Blackspotted wrasse

Macropharyngodon meleagris
Family: Labridae
LC · Least Concern

The Blackspotted wrasse (Macropharyngodon meleagris) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–60 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-West Pacific; reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The leopard wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a white to greenish body densely studded with dark, eye-shaped spots, to which the name refers; males and females differ greatly in colour. It inhabits subtidal reef flats and outer lagoon and seaward reefs, usually in areas with a mix of sand, rubble and coral. It feeds on small, hard-shelled invertebrates such as snails and foraminifera. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite and buries in the sand at night. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackspotted wrasse?

The Blackspotted wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Densely scattered with eye-shaped blotches; protogynous hermaphrodite that buries itself at night.

Where does the Blackspotted wrasse live?

The Blackspotted wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs.

How big does the Blackspotted wrasse get?

The Blackspotted wrasse grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Blackspotted wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackspotted wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackspotted wrasse edible?

The Blackspotted wrasse is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Blackspotted wrasse verified
Scientific name
Macropharyngodon meleagris
Family
Labridae
Other names
Blackspotted wrasse; Eastern leopard wrasse; Guinea fowl wrasse; Leopard wrasse; Reticulated wrasse; Vermiculated wrasse; Wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured
Pattern
Spots
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
60 verified
Natural range
Indo-West Pacific; reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small hard-shelled invertebrates such as small snails and foraminiferans sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Densely scattered with eye-shaped blotches; protogynous hermaphrodite that buries itself at night. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Macropharyngodon

More from the family Labridae

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