The Splendid Leopard Wrasse or Vermiculate Wrasse is very colorful and well suited to these two names. However it is referred to by a half a dozen other descriptive names as well including; African Leopard Wrasse, Peacock Splendid Wrasse, Blue Star Leopard Wrasse, and Divided Leopard Wrasse. These too describe the fish's appearance, which changes from one beautiful color pattern as a female into another when becoming male. Pictured in my avatar is a juvenile or an adult female specimen, an adult male has a linear patterning on the body with a pretty bluish green coloration.
Once adjusted to aquarium life, the Splendid Leopard Wrasse or Vermiculate Wrasse is a wonderful peaceful community fish that can even be housed with others of the same genus. This is also one of the few wrasses that can be kept with its own species. In both cases however, they are harmonious as long the mix is all females with just one male.
Though they do not bother corals or other fish, the Splendid Leopard Wrasse is not a fish for the inexperienced. Like all the Leopard Wrasse, the genus Macropharyngodon, this wrasse can do quite well in a reef setting designed for them but they will fair poorly in all other types of marine environments. Due to their specialized eating habits and nature, these wrasses should only be attempted by advanced aquarists as they are very difficult to establish. They are not forgiving and can end up deceased in a short period of time after being added to your tank.
The Leopard Wrasses have a variety of curious behaviors. They are on Indo-Pacific time, so don’t freak if their sleeping habits are a little odd at first. Also as a protection in their natural habitat, they perform a little dance that is really strange to a possible predator. Often this dance antic works to the point the predator basically thinks the fish is nuts and moves on. If that tactic doesn’t work then the local sandbar will provide a perfect place for escape, and a puff of sand is the only indication the wrasse is "down under”.
Burrowing into the sand is their favorite sleeping arrangement. Some say you can set your watch by their bedtime! In the morning, they poke their head out to make sure the coast is clear and then they will fully emerge. When first emerging, they will be a little on the loopy side until they get their bearing, up to 10 minutes later. Throughout the day they are constantly foraging for food on live rock with their canine teeth.
