Leopard Wrasse — Macropharyngodon bipartitus

Blue Star Leopard Wrasse — A reef fish worth planning for

Macropharyngodon bipartitus brings intricate markings and constant, purposeful movement to an established reef. Also known as the Divided or Vermiculate Leopard Wrasse, it spends much of the day inspecting rockwork for tiny prey. Females and males look noticeably different, and coloration can change as the fish matures.

François Neo’s advice

My recommendation: choose this fish when your aquarium is ready to support its feeding habits. A mature reef, peaceful companions and accessible fine sand matter far more than its beautiful colors. Plan around its needs before bringing one home.

Care at a glance

• Experience: Advanced; sensitive during transport and initial acclimation.
• Adult size: Approximately 5 inches (13 cm).
• Recommended aquarium: 75 US gallons or larger, with mature live rock and an established population of small prey organisms.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful; avoid aggressive tankmates and strong competition for food.
• Reef compatibility: Generally suitable with corals. Tiny crustaceans and other small benthic invertebrates are natural prey.
• Substrate: Provide a generous area of fine sand deep enough for the fish to bury completely, approximately 2–3 inches or more according to its size.
• Cover: A secure, close-fitting lid is essential.

Feeding & settling in

Offer small portions of appropriately sized marine meaty foods at least twice daily. Frozen copepods and finely sized mysis are useful options; newly introduced fish may need live foods to begin feeding. Acceptance of pellets or frozen foods varies by individual. Natural grazing supports the diet but should not replace regular feeding.

This wrasse sleeps beneath the sand and may remain buried while adjusting. Avoid digging it out. Introduce it calmly, monitor body condition and feeding, and seek advice if it fails to establish a feeding routine.

Before you order

Ask us to confirm the available specimen’s size, sex or color phase, and current feeding response. Photos illustrate the species unless a listing is specifically marked WYSIWYG.

Explore our Wrasses, browse all Marine Fish, or contact François Neo to discuss compatibility.