Vivien's Leopard Wrasse - Macropharyngodon vivienae

Vivien's Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon vivienae)

Vivien's Leopard Wrasse is a beautiful and specialised leopard wrasse recognised for its intricate patterning, refined colouration and graceful swimming behaviour. Like other Macropharyngodon species, it spends much of the day foraging across mature rockwork and substrate for tiny invertebrate prey before burying itself beneath the sand to rest. It is best suited to experienced marine aquarists with a mature aquarium, a fine sandbed and a well-established supply of natural microfauna.

Common Name:
Vivien's Leopard Wrasse

Scientific Name (Latin):
Macropharyngodon vivienae

Maximum Size:
Approximately 10–12 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Vivien's Leopard Wrasse is associated with tropical western Indian Ocean reef environments, where it inhabits coral-rich reefs, rubble zones and sandy areas close to established reef structure.

It spends much of its time actively searching reef surfaces and substrate for copepods, amphipods and other small invertebrates.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful

Vivien's Leopard Wrasse is generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish and is best housed with calm to moderately active tankmates.

Avoid aggressive species that may intimidate it or prevent it from feeding successfully.

Diet:
Carnivore / Micro-Predator

Vivien's Leopard Wrasse naturally feeds on copepods, amphipods and other tiny reef-associated invertebrates.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods and quality small marine pellets.

Several small meals throughout the day are beneficial.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 250 litres

A mature aquarium with extensive established rockwork and a generous soft sandbed is strongly recommended.

Behaviour & Activity:
Vivien's Leopard Wrasse is an active daytime forager that spends much of its time moving through rockwork and searching the substrate for food.

At night, or when frightened, it naturally buries itself beneath the sand.

A soft, fine sandbed several centimetres deep is therefore essential.

Once settled, it can become a graceful and highly visible aquarium inhabitant.

Reef Safe:
With Caution

Vivien's Leopard Wrasse does not normally damage healthy coral tissue.

However, very small crustaceans and other tiny mobile invertebrates may be consumed while the fish is foraging.

It is therefore best considered reef safe with caution.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species should only be introduced to a mature, biologically established marine aquarium.

A soft, fine sandbed is essential for natural sleeping and refuge behaviour.

Avoid coarse or sharp substrate that could damage the fish while burying.

A well-established population of natural microfauna is highly beneficial, particularly during acclimation.

New specimens can be sensitive to transport and may initially be reluctant to accept prepared foods.

Monitor feeding closely and offer small foods several times throughout the day.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is essential, as leopard wrasses are capable jumpers.

Avoid aggressive tankmates and excessive competition at feeding time.

Stable water chemistry, excellent oxygenation and consistently high water quality are particularly important for long-term success.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.