Moyeri Leopard Wrasse

Moyeri Leopard Wrasse

Macropharyngodon moyeri

Identification White or cream body covered in a pattern of small black spots; females have orange-tipped spots. A striking, leopard-patterned wrasse.
Maximum Length Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
Origin Western Pacific — Philippines, Indonesia, Micronesia
Minimum Tank Size 55 gallons (well-established)
Reef Compatibility Yes — eats flatworms and small parasites

Behavior

Leopard wrasses are beautiful but demanding. They require a mature tank with a rich, established sand bed and ample live rock. They sleep buried in sand and feed extensively on microfauna.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore. Feeds primarily on small invertebrates from the sand bed. Offer frozen mysis and copepods; tank must have microfauna-rich sand.

Cautions

Challenging to keep — not recommended for new tanks. Will decline without a healthy sand bed and supplemental feeding. Expert only.