Black leopard wrasse
📖 Overview
Black leopard wrasse (Macropharyngodon kuiteri), first described by Randall, 1978 is a small fish in the family Labridae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 10.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 5 to 55 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Labridae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal soft rays: 12. Body light orangish with a bluish white spot on each scale, a large black spot on opercle rimmed in blue and a small blackish spot behind eye. Teeth spatulate (except canine at corner of mouth). Caudal peduncle short, its length 2.3 to 2.5 in least depth (Ref 9823).: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black leopard wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 5 - 55 m , usually 10 - 55 m . Tropical South Wales (Australia).
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Black leopard wrasse is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 185 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Black leopard wrasse has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Black leopard wrasse · Ear-spot Wrasse · Kuiter's Leopard-wrasse · Kuiter's wrasse |
| 🌍CES | kněžík Kuiterův |
| 🌍FIJ | Labe |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Bodião-de-ocelo-preto |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 基氏大咽齒魚 |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Black leopard wrasse.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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