The Choati Wrasse, Macropharyngodon choati, or Choat's Wrasse, has a unique orange and silver splotched body color with a a neon yellow/green face pattern. The Choati Wrasse is one of the most colorful wrasse species out there. Usually only kept by experienced aquarists, the Choati Wrasse requires plenty of live rock hiding places, a sandy substrate, and a tightly sealed lid to prevent escapes. They will feed on a omnivorous diet and will scour the tank for small inverts as well. 

Choati Wrasse (Macropharyngodon choati): A Comprehensive Guide for Saltwater Marine Aquariums

The Choati Wrasse (Macropharyngodon choati) is a captivating species that can be a prized addition to your saltwater marine aquarium. This factual guide provides essential information on the care, characteristics, and compatibility of the Choati Wrasse within your aquarium setup.

Habitat for the Choati Wrasse

The Choati Wrasse is native to the western Pacific Ocean and is primarily found in coral-rich areas and sandy substrates near the reefs. They prefer shallow waters with plenty of hiding spots.

Is the Choati Wrasse Reef Safe?

Choati Wrasses are generally considered reef-safe. They do not pose a significant threat to corals or invertebrates.

How Big Does the Choati Wrasse Get?

These wrasses are relatively small, growing to an average length of approximately 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm).

How Long Does the Choati Wrasse Live?

With proper care, Choati Wrasses can live for 3 to 5 years, offering long-term enjoyment in your marine aquarium.

What's the Choati Wrasse's Ideal Diet?

Choati Wrasses are carnivorous and require a specialized diet. Offer them a diet of high-quality marine flakes, pellets, frozen foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, and occasional live foods to maintain their health and vibrancy.

Aquaculture Availability of the Choati Wrasse

Currently, aquacultured Choati Wrasses are unavailable to hobbyists. They are typically sourced from the wild. Choose a responsible supplier like Saltwaterfish.com.

Sexual Dimorphism of the Choati Wrasse

Choati Wrasses exhibit sexual dimorphism. Males typically have more vibrant colors, longer fins, and a distinctive tail filament than females.

Is the Choati Wrasse Symbiotic?

Choati Wrasses do not typically form symbiotic relationships with anemones or corals. They are solitary and prefer to forage among the rocks and sand.

Are Juvenile Choati Wrasses More Vibrant in Color?

Juvenile Choati Wrasses often display striking blue coloration with intricate patterns, while adult males develop more subdued colors, often with shades of orange or red.

Compatibility of the Choati Wrasse With Other Tank Mates

Choati Wrasses are known for their peaceful temperament. However, they can become territorial with other wrasses or fish of similar size and shape.

Temperament of the Choati Wrasse

These wrasses are active swimmers, adding movement and vibrancy to the aquarium. They are not known for aggressive behavior.

Suitable Tank Mates for the Choati Wrasse

• Yellowtail Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema): Compatible due to their similar size and peaceful nature.
• Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica): Peaceful and visually appealing, they occupy a different niche in the tank.
• Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto): A striking and peaceful fish that complements the Choati Wrasse's temperament.
• Pajama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera): Peaceful schooling fish that add visual interest to the tank.
• Six-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia): A small, active wrasse complements Choati Wrasse's temperament.

The Choati Wrasse's Tank Requirements

• Minimum Aquarium Size: A tank with a capacity of 30 gallons or more is suitable for housing Choati Wrasses.
• Aquascaping: Provide a sandy substrate for them to sift through and live rock structures with hiding spots. A mature tank with ample copepod populations is beneficial.

Water Conditions for the Choati Wrasse

• pH: Maintain the pH level between 8.1 and 8.4.
• Salinity: Keep the salinity within the range of 1.023 to 1.025.
• Water Temperature: The recommended temperature range is 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
• Water Flow: A moderate water flow is suitable to replicate their natural environment.

Other Common Names for the Choati Wrasse

The Choati Wrasse may also be the Choat's Leopard Wrasse.

Why Choose Choati Wrasses from Saltwaterfish.com

Selecting Choati Wrasses from Saltwaterfish.com offers marine enthusiasts the opportunity to introduce a visually captivating and peaceful species to their saltwater marine aquarium. Our commitment to providing healthy and well-acclimated specimens ensures you receive robust and vibrant fish for your aquatic environment. With our extensive experience and dedication to marine life, Saltwaterfish.com is a dependable source for enthusiasts seeking quality marine species.

The Choati Wrasse's striking appearance, peaceful temperament, and compatibility with reef tanks make it an excellent addition to your saltwater marine aquarium. By adhering to their specific care requirements and considering their compatibility with tank mates, you can enjoy the dynamic presence this captivating marine inhabitant brings to your tank.

Expert Only: Items designated as expert only require special care such as a species specific environment, special diet or care, and an expert level, experienced aquarist. Not for beginners. Expert Only items qualify for our live arrival guarantee only, and are exempt from our extended 8 day guarantee.