Leopard Wrasse

[jcolon2]

Hello. Does anyone have experience with a leopard wrasses? I want to purcahse one however, all the research I have done demonstrates that the leopard warasse is difficult to care for and should only be cared for by an advanced aquarist. How difficult is it to get one to eat prepared food?

 

[Dre]

Hello. Does anyone have experience with a leopard wrasses? I want to purcahse one however, all the research I have done demonstrates that the leopard warasse is difficult to care for and should only be cared for by an advanced aquarist. How difficult is it to get one to eat prepared food?

The research i'v done suggest they have intestinal worm issue in the wild and need meds.They need an established tank with pods.etc. to feed on through out the day or regular feeding.If you decide to get one make sure it's eating and don't buy it on the first day it arrive at the LFS.

 

[jcolon2]

I was going to purchase it from an Mr member. And I was hoping I wouldn't have to quarantine, I know I will take heat for that. So I wouldn't be able to tell if it is sick or eating beforehand.

 

[prattreef]

A lot of the info you will find written about Leopard wrasses is abit out of date. Not that long ago they were in fact very difficult to keep and were one of the classic "death in a bag" fishes. About 3-4 years ago something changed --likely collection and shipping techniques and Leopards by and large fair MUCH better in captivity than they used to. They require a sandbed and should be started on mysyis or other high quality frozen foods. IME they then will take pellets and even flake without issue. The M. chaoti leopard wrasse still has a very poor record, so I'd stay away from them. The other more common species are now what I would consider an intermediate level fish. As an FYI new imports are often on an off cycle time clock and may take upwards of a week for them to readjust and appear when the lights are on. If you get one and don't see it for a few days check the tank in the middle of the night.

 

[tosiek]

The things to watch out for is the intestinal problem they usually have when they come in. Even in an established tank they sometimes can't find enough food throughout the day to survive as long as most other fish.

If the member had the leopard for a while, is eating and is fat its usually a good sign. Careful with the leopards in the stores that just came in.

 

[jcolon2]

I was thinking of purchasing one from Will's Water World.

 

[tosiek]

btw, although they do have a better track record now like Prattreef mentioned the death rate is still pretty bad from some stores. Im guessing its where they are getting them from and how they are handled.

 

[prattreef]

I was thinking of purchasing one from Will's Water World.

I have no idea about Will's sources or acclimation proceedures, but I would not buy a Leopard wrasse that was not already eating prepared foods in the store--- this is a bad buy out of the bag fish unless you are prepared to QT and acclimate it yourself.

 

[Avi]

I've had inconsistent results with Leopard Wrasses but I did have one that was a great specimen for over two years. I think you've already gotten good info but I'd urge you to buy the fish from a fish store where you can see it eat for yourself. Also, that way, you can observe its general appearance for overall health. Don't purchase the fish unless it displays normal swimming in the tank as opposed to sitting in one place and only buy it if it's eating eagerly. Don't settle for any less or you'd reduce your chances of success. Buying fish on-line is generally all right, but some fish require a little more personal attention and I'd say a Leopard Wrasse is one of them.

 

[jcolon2]

Thanks everyone. I am going to hold off on the Leopard Wrasse. I know this Mr vendor has a great reputation but you all have great points. I will sit on it, not getting it this time.

 

[2slo4me]

I was thinking of purchasing one from Will's Water World.

ask will if it was QT and for how long and if its eating... if its a pre-order most likely it wont be QT... good luck...

 

[2slo4me]

There is one at northern blvd aquarium on prince st and northern.... I saw him eat mysis this past week.. check tos ee if they still have him I saw when they 1st got him and he looked very healthy... I actually thought about it but heard they can grow quite large.