False leopard
📖 Overview
Inhabits lagoon and sheltered seaward reefs, in areas with mixed sand, rubble, and coral to at least 30 m. Occurs singly or in small groups .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal soft rays: 11. Brown to greenish with pearly to metallic-green spots along scale rows . Females reddish anteriorly, shading to blackish posteriorly, with greenish yellow spots edged in blue and black (1 per scale) on body and similar spots and irregular bands on head. Males similar in colour to females, with no black humeral spot (Ref 9823).: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for False leopard is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for False leopard is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 2 - 30 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"False leopard 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 | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 166 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for False leopard has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | False leopard · False Leopard Wrasse · Ornate leopard wrasse · Ornate Leopard-wrasse · Ornate wrasse · Western Leopard Wrasse |
| 🌍CES | kněžík ozdobný |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Bodião-leopardo-do-oeste |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 妝飾大咽齒魚 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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