{"product_id":"choats-leopard-wrasse","title":"Choat's Leopard Wrasse","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"71\" data-end=\"409\"\u003eChoat’s leopard wrasse (\u003cem data-start=\"95\" data-end=\"120\"\u003eMacropharyngodon choati\u003c\/em\u003e) is a small, brightly patterned marine fish in the wrasse family (Labridae). It is known for its striking orange, red, and white “leopard” spotting and its active, darting behavior over coral rubble and reef slopes. In the aquarium world it’s prized but considered delicate and demanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"424\"\u003eKey facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"678\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"476\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"476\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"448\"\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"449\" data-end=\"474\"\u003eMacropharyngodon choati\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"477\" data-end=\"511\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"479\" data-end=\"511\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"479\" data-end=\"490\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eLabridae (wrasses)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"553\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"553\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"523\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eAround 3–4 inches (7–10 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"554\" data-end=\"604\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"556\" data-end=\"604\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"556\" data-end=\"568\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eShallow coral reefs, rubble zones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"605\" data-end=\"678\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"678\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"616\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSmall benthic invertebrates (worms, tiny crustaceans, etc.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"680\" data-end=\"716\"\u003eAppearance and sexual dimorphism\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"718\" data-end=\"1183\"\u003eChoat’s leopard wrasse is one of the most colorful members of the leopard wrasse group. Males typically show more intense, sharply defined red and orange spots and blotches on a white or cream background, with intricate patterns on the head. Females and juveniles tend to have smaller, more uniform spots and a slightly less vivid palette. Like many wrasses, it is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin life as females and some later transition into males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1217\"\u003eHabitat and natural behavior\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1617\"\u003eIn the wild, this species inhabits shallow coral reefs and rubble zones, often near surge channels and reef slopes. It spends much of the day actively picking at the substrate, searching for tiny invertebrates among sand and rubble. At night, like other leopard wrasses, it buries itself in the sand for protection, relying on suitable sandy substrate both for sleep and as a refuge from predators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1619\" data-end=\"1647\"\u003eDiet and feeding ecology\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"2014\"\u003eChoat’s leopard wrasse is a micro-predator, feeding primarily on small benthic invertebrates such as copepods, amphipods, tiny worms, and other crustaceans. It constantly forages, using quick pecks at the substrate. This specialized feeding behavior means it does best in environments rich in natural microfauna, rather than relying solely on large, prepared foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2048\"\u003eAquarium care considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2050\" data-end=\"2128\"\u003eIn captivity, Choat’s leopard wrasse is considered challenging. It requires:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2304\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2178\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2132\" data-end=\"2178\"\u003eFine sand substrate for burying and sleeping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2239\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2181\" data-end=\"2239\"\u003eA mature, well-established tank with abundant microfauna\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2304\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2304\"\u003ePeaceful tankmates and stable, high-quality water conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2306\" data-end=\"2499\"\u003eMany individuals can be slow to accept prepared foods and may suffer in bare-bottom or very new aquariums. Sudden stress or lack of suitable sand can lead to refusal to feed and high mortality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2501\" data-end=\"2531\"\u003eRole in the reef ecosystem\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2925\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eOn the reef, Choat’s leopard wrasse contributes to controlling small invertebrate populations and participates in the complex web of interactions around coral and rubble habitats. Its constant picking behavior helps keep certain micro-crustacean populations in balance, and it forms part of the diverse assemblage of small, colorful wrasses that typify healthy shallow coral reef communities.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Angel Reef Aquarium Systems","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51505766170920,"sku":null,"price":269.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/6930\/0008\/files\/ChoatiWrasseFWRCH500AU.webp?v=1772592373","url":"https:\/\/angelreefaquariums.com\/products\/choats-leopard-wrasse","provider":"Angel Reef Aquarium Systems","version":"1.0","type":"link"}