Common name: Choat's wrasse

General information

The Choati Leopard Wrasse, scientifically known as Macropharyngodon choati, is a stunning and vibrant addition to any reef aquarium. This species is renowned for its striking coloration, which includes a blue to green body with intricate, leopard-like spots and a distinctive red to orange stripe along its dorsal fin. The Choati Leopard Wrasse is a member of the Labridae family and is endemic to the Western Pacific, particularly around Australia.

Care

Choati Leopard Wrasses are known for their specific care requirements. They thrive in well-established reef tanks with a sandy substrate, which they use for sleeping and hiding when threatened. These wrasses are peaceful and can be kept with a variety of other reef-safe fish. However, they should not be housed with aggressive species that may outcompete them for food or cause stress. A varied diet of small, meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Choati Leopard Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. This change usually occurs when there is an absence of a dominant male in the group. In the aquarium, breeding these wrasses can be challenging due to their complex social structures and specific environmental needs.

Habitat

Choati Leopard Wrasses are found in coral reef environments, where they swim at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. They prefer areas with plenty of live rock for foraging and a sandy bottom for burrowing. Their natural range includes the Great Barrier Reef and other reef systems around Australia, where they contribute to the biodiversity and health of the reef ecosystem.