Kuiteri's Leopard Wrasse

Kuiter's leopard wrasse, Macropharyngodon kuiteri, is a sand-sleeping wrasse for an experienced marine aquarist. Its intricate colour pattern changes with maturity, while its need for a suitable feeding habitat remains central throughout its life.

Provide mature rockwork rich in small prey and a deep area of appropriate sand for burial. Offer small marine meaty foods and verify the fish accepts them; suitable live foods may be needed for an individual that refuses prepared meals. A bare-bottom display does not meet its normal resting needs.

This wrasse can be intimidated by forceful feeders or aggressive fish. Choose calm companions, keep the aquarium covered and watch its body condition. A fish that emerges to hunt is not necessarily finding enough food to maintain itself on the aquarium's natural prey alone.