Moyeri Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon kuiteri)

Max Size: 4 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

The Moyeri Leopard Wrasse is an exquisite fish highly sought after by enthusiasts, belonging to the genus Macropharyngodon. Despite its smaller size, this wrasse captivates with its stunning spotted pattern, reminiscent of other Leopard Wrasses. What sets the Moyeri Leopard Wrasse apart is its unique dentition, which differs from other species in the Leopard Wrasse group.

Although smaller, the Moyeri Leopard Wrasse shares many characteristics with larger tropical wrasse species. They exhibit color variations based on gender and age, starting their lives as females. Initially, the Moyeri Leopard Wrasse displays an orange-red background color adorned with bluish-white leopard spots. A small black spot is present just behind the eye, and the opercular spot features a whitish-blue halo. As the Moyeri Leopard Wrasse matures into an adult male, the black spot behind the eye and the blue halo around the opercular spot fade away. A green and orange circle develops around the black opercular spot, and orange becomes the predominant body color.

For the well-being of the Moyeri Leopard Wrasse, it is recommended to house them in a 50-gallon or larger aquarium with well-established live rock and a mature sand bed, several inches deep. Being a sand wrasse, they seek protection by burrowing into sandy substrates. In the wild, Leopard Wrasses are commonly found in sand and rubble regions near coral reefs, so it's essential to provide large open spaces that allow access to the fine sand bed. Consider using a wavemaker to simulate water movement, mimicking the environment near reef zones. The Moyeri Leopard Wrasse thrives when introduced as juveniles in groups of three or more, and their diet primarily consists of small invertebrates like foraminiferans and amphiopods that grow on live rock.

To maintain the health and vibrancy of the Moyeri Leopard Wrasse, provide a diet including vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. Additionally, offering high-quality marine flake and marine pellet food will complement their nutritional needs.

By creating a suitable environment and offering a well-balanced diet, you can enjoy the enchanting beauty and behavior of the Moyeri Leopard Wrasse in your aquarium.