Vivienne’s Leopard Wrasse
A leopard wrasse patterned in fine orange and green reticulation over a pale body. Uncommon, beautiful and demanding.
Feeding
Feeds on tiny invertebrates picked from rock and sand. Needs frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp several times daily, plus a mature system with an established copepod population.
Compatibility
Reef safe with corals but hunts small invertebrates. Peaceful and easily outcompeted at feeding time.
Behaviour and personality
Picks constantly at rock and sand all day. Buries in the sand bed to sleep and when startled.
Before you buy
| Important Notes |
|---|
| Leopard wrasses frequently arrive underweight and starve in tanks without an established copepod population. A deep fine sand bed is essential – without it the fish cannot sleep properly and may suffer stress or mortality. |
FAQ
What kind of diet does the Vivienne’s Leopard Wrasse require?
It feeds on tiny invertebrates and requires frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp several times a day, along with a mature tank system that has an established copepod population.
Is the leopard wrasse safe to keep with corals?
Yes, it is reef safe with corals, but it hunts small invertebrates and may outcompete them at feeding times.
What special tank conditions does this fish need?
A deep fine sand bed is essential for proper sleeping and behavior. The tank must have a mature system with an established copepod population to support the fish’s feeding and survival.
Gordon Black –
The fish is stunning with its vibrant orange and green pattern. After setting up a deep sand bed and introducing copepods, it began feeding regularly and hides well in the sand. Requires consistent feeding and a mature tank, but once established, it’s a beautiful addition to a reef setup.
Andrew Alsop –
Arrived a bit underweight, but after adding copepods and feeding daily, it started to thrive. The fish is active and constantly digs in the sand. Needs a lot of attention, but the visual appeal is worth it for a reef tank.
Neil Brown –
It’s beautiful, but I had to invest time in building a copepod population. Without it, the fish didn’t eat and stayed inactive. A good choice for experienced reef keepers with proper setup.