Black Leopard Wrasse

Description

Both the male and the female have a black body color. On the male, the spots are more like "diamond" shapes, in the sense that each scale is outlined in a blue-green coloring. The females are similarly colored, though the spots are closer together as they get closer to the dorsal fin, with colors ranging between yellow to white. The juveniles are the ones with the yellow spots, thus the name Yellowspotted Wrasse. As this fish ages the spots may take on a blue-greenish color with yellow near the the top of the head.

Distribution

The Black Leopard Wrasse or Yellowspotted Wrasse was described by Herre in 1932. They are found widespread throughout the Western Pacific from the Eastern Indian Ocean to the Great Barrier Reef, ranging at depths of 26 to 109 feet (9 - 33 meters) though usually below 49 feet (15 meters). They enjoy lagoons and seaward reefs with sand and coral mixtures. They will be seen swimming in pairs or small groups close to the bottom.

Habitat

Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs, in areas of mixed sand and coral. Post pelagic juveniles carried by currents beyond their normal breeding range. They are often in pairs or small loose groups, swimming close to the bottom. When approached, they move up and down in an unusual way that may worry a possible predator. Adults move about in small groups.