What type of wrasse is this?

[BL1]

Hey everyone, I'm trying to figure out what kind of leopard wrasse this is. It looks like a Macropharyngodon meleagris but, the coloration looks totally off.

 

[Bifferwine]

Here is a page that lists all the species in the genus Macropharyngodon.

Species under Macropharyngodon

Based on that, I'd guess that it's a Macropharyngodon ornatus.

 

[BL1]

Here is a page that lists all the species in the genus Macropharyngodon.

Species under Macropharyngodon

Based on that, I'd guess that it's a Macropharyngodon ornatus.

Nice find, that does look really close.

 

[Bifferwine]

Closest you can get, I suppose... :dunno: It may in fact be a meleagris, but just with odd coloration. With some of these species, the only way to know for sure is via DNA testing, as the physical differences are very slight, and individuals may vary.

 

[BL1]

It was sold to my LFS as a psychedelic blue star wrasse from the wholesaler. But I don't think it looks anything like a blue star

 

[Bifferwine]

No way. I don't think it does either. My leopard wrasse was a blue star, and not only was the coloration different, but also the body shape and features.

 

[Waddi]

It does look quite similar dont you think???

 

[Bifferwine]

I can't tell if that is sarcasm or what. :mrgreen:

 

[Waddi]

I was just thinking that it had similar markings but different colors.

 

[DZs]

Maybe male vs female? Sure is a pretty fish. :)