Macropharyngodon ornatus Randall, 1978
False leopard
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 30 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Sri Lanka, western Australia, Indonesia and New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal soft rays: 11. Brown to greenish with pearly to metallic-green spots along scale rows (Ref. 48636). 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).
Biology:  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 (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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