Choat's Red Leopard Wrasse

Scientific Name: Macropharyngodon choati (Choat's Red Leopard Wrasse) Care Level: Expert Only Temperament: Peaceful Color Form: Red, White Diet: Carnivore Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 22-26°C, dKH 6-12, pH 7.8-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 Max. Size: 10 cm Family: Labridae Minimum Tank Size: 208 litres Overview The Choat's Red Leopard Wrasse, also known as the Choati Wrasse, is native to the eastern Australian coast, particularly the southern Great Barrier Reef and northern New South Wales. Its appearance varies by age and sex. Adults have a white body with red/orange spots and distinctive red striping on the face, with a yellow patch outlined in blue/green on the gill covers. Juveniles have a semi-transparent white body with a few orange patches. Terminal phase males feature a brightly colored face with alternating green and orange stripes, and yellow lips. These wrasses require a fine sandy substrate, as they bury themselves at night for protection. They need a well-established aquarium, as they spend their day hunting for small crustaceans. Due to their specialized care needs, the Choat's Red Leopard Wrasse is best suited for experienced aquarists. Introduce Leopard Wrasses into the tank before larger or more active fish, allowing them to acclimate and begin feeding on prepared foods. When keeping a group, it is ideal to introduce them all at once, as the most dominant fish in the group may change sex and become a fully functioning male. Their diet should consist of vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods, supplemented with high-quality marine flake and pellet food.