Vivien's Leopard Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the Southwest Indian Ocean, from South Africa and Mozambique to Madagascar. Inhabits outer reef slopes and deep channels between 15 and 40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Features a compressed, deep body. Equipped with specialized teeth for preying on micro-fauna. Reaches up to 11 cm in length.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, diurnal, and social within its harem. Forms small groups led by a dominant male. Buries itself in the substrate to sleep.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body displays a complex pattern of reddish-orange dorsally and yellowish ventrally, with iridescent green and blue spots. Males have stronger facial markings.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 150 liters with fine sand (6-8 cm deep) for sleeping. A secure lid is mandatory as they are known to jump when startled.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on micro-crustaceans. Needs an established tank with a large population of copepods. Supplement with frozen foods 3-4 times daily.

Water Quality: Maintain stable values: temperature 23-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.025. High biological filtration and protein skimming are required.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef safe. House with very peaceful, passive tankmates. Avoid housing with aggressive wrasses or large dominant fish.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Broadcast spawners with pelagic larvae. Captive spawning has not been successfully reared in home aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: Starvation is a major issue in recently established systems. Vulnerable to skin parasites under poor water quality or stressful conditions.