Blackspotted Wrasse
Description
of the Blackspotted Wrasse
The Blackspotted Wrasse is also commonly known as the Leopard
Wrasse, Guinea Fowl Wrasse, Reticulated Wrasse and Eastern
Leopard Wrasse. They are not considered ideal for beginners as
they can be difficult to feed. The Blackspotted Wrasse needs
plenty of sand as it likes to bury itself when feeling
threatened. It is a very active swimmer and despite its size
needs plenty of food!
Profile of
the Blackspotted Wrasse
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Blackspotted Wrasse species.
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Size: Up to 15cm
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Fish Tank
conditions:
PH 8.1 to 8.4
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Diet / Feeding:
Frozen or Dried Food
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Temperament:
Peaceful Fish
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Habitat: Reef
Dwellers at depths of up to 30m
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Range:
Indo-pacific Ocean
Scientific
Classification of the Blackspotted Wrasse
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
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Species:
Macropharyngodon meleagris
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Popular Name:
Blackspotted Wrasse - Leopard Wrasse - Guinea Fowl Wrasse,
Reticulated Wrasse - Eastern Leopard Wrasse
Kingdom:
Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class:
Actinopterygii
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Order:
Perciformes
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Family: Labridae
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Blackspotted Wrasse?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Blackspotted Wrasse slimy?
Blackspotted Wrasse secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Blackspotted Wrasse to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Blackspotted Wrasse have gills?
Gills enable the Blackspotted Wrasse to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Blackspotted Wrasse have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Blackspotted Wrasse
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Blackspotted Wrasse
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Blackspotted Wrasse
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
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Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Blackspotted Wrasse
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Blackspotted Wrasse
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