Description
Vivian’s Wrasse (Macropharyngodon vivienae)
Overview
The Vivian’s Wrasse, also known as the Red-Tail Leopard Wrasse, is an exquisite and peaceful reef-safe species admired for its intricate mosaic patterning and striking red tail. Constantly active and full of personality, it brings elegance and movement to any reef aquarium while naturally helping control small invertebrate pests.
Origin
Found throughout the Western Indian Ocean, particularly around Madagascar and the Maldives, Macropharyngodon vivienae inhabits sandy reef slopes and coral rubble areas, where it forages for small crustaceans and worms.
Feeding
A carnivore that thrives on a diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and quality marine pellets. It also benefits from grazing on live rock and natural microfauna within a mature system. Feed 2–3 times daily.
Tank Mates
Peaceful and reef-safe, best kept with calm community fish such as gobies, anthias, fairy wrasses, and tangs. Avoid aggressive or dominant species that may outcompete it for food.
Aggression
Extremely peaceful. Rarely shows territorial behavior and enjoys a calm aquarium with plenty of live rock for foraging and a soft sand bed for burrowing at night.
Experience Level
Recommended for intermediate to advanced aquarists. Requires a mature, stable aquarium with excellent water quality and a sand substrate to thrive.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 75°F – 80°F (24°C – 27°C)
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Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 SG
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pH: 8.1 – 8.4
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Alkalinity: 8 – 12 dKH
Beautiful, peaceful, and rewarding to keep, the Vivian’s Wrasse is a prized choice for experienced aquarists seeking a graceful, reef-safe wrasse that adds both color and utility to a mature marine system.
