About Macropharyngodon meleagris (Valenciennes, 1839)
Common Names and Taxonomy
Macropharyngodon meleagris, commonly called the black-spotted wrasse, Eastern leopard wrasse or reticulated wrasse, is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the wrasse family Labridae.
Distribution and Habitat
This species is native to the eastern Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, where it inhabits coral reefs at depths from the surface down to 30 metres (98 ft).
Size
The species can grow to a total length of 15 centimetres (5.9 in) measured as standard length.
Aquarium Trade Presence
M. meleagris is also available in the aquarium trade.
Juvenile Coloration
Juveniles of this species have different color patterns from adults: they are dominated by light colors and have eyespots, which help them blend into soft coral habitats and may reduce their risk of predation.
