Choat's Red Leopard Wrasse

Choat's Red Leopard Wrasse

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Macropharyngodon choati

OverviewReef Compatible: YES
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Docile
Origin: Australia/Coral Sea

The Choat’s Red Leopard Wrasse, scientifically known as Macropharyngodon choati, is a captivating marine fish found along the eastern Australian Coast in southern parts of the Great Barrier Reef and northern New South Wales. These remarkable fish exhibit different appearances depending on their age and sex:

• Adults: They have a white body adorned with red/orange spots and heavy red striping on the face. A patch of yellow outlined in blue/green graces their operculum (gill covers).
• Younger Individuals: Young Choat’s Red Leopard Wrasses have a semi-transparent white body with a few orange patches.
• Terminal Phase Males: These males stand out with a vibrant colored face, featuring an alternating striped pattern of green and orange. Their lips are adorned with yellow.

In aquariums, these wrasses require a fine sandy substrate as they bury themselves at night for protection. They are challenging to adapt to a captive environment but can thrive under the care of expert reef aquarists. Providing them with a well-established tank and introducing them before larger or more active fish ensures their successful acclimation. Interestingly, like other Macropharyngodon, they have the ability to change sex, with the most dominant fish turning into a fully functioning male.

To keep them healthy, offer a diet that includes vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods, along with high-quality marine flakes and pellets. The Choat’s Red Leopard Wrasse is a stunning addition to any aquarium, showcasing its vibrant colors and unique behavior!