Macropharyngodon vivienae is an exciting fish that is thought to be an endemic to Madagascar reefs and parts of the East African coastline from Natal to Durban. This is a fish so rare that we’ve only seen one live specimen but the rare fish seekers at Greenwich Aquaria have managed to score not one but two of these absolutely stunning fish. The juvenile pictured here is just a wee tyke at just 2″/5cm long, yet it already offers up some hints as to why this fish may eventually be called the “flame leopard wrasse”. Male Vivien’s leopard wrasse will grow up to develop a brilliant yellow base coloration with all of the red-spotted scales becoming nearly entirely red with maturity. The red streak under the eye intensifies with age as does the very fine vermiculated pattern on the head and above the eye. Needless to say, this fish really grows into it’s own and since this species is in the hands of talented aquarists at Grenwich Aquaria, we can expect their wrasse lovers to give special quarters to this precious leopard wrasse. If you have any interest in getting a Macropharyngodon vivienae your best bet is to scour the Kenyan fish imports for your own because their is only a slim chance that Jason will let off his labrid treasure, and then it will only be after he’s had plenty of time to study it. Super HUGE kudos to Lauren Stevens for snapping a perfect, dare we say inspirational photograph of this fish. We know this recently imported specimen is likely skittish and spending very little time in this perfect pose, good job girl! Look forward to updates on this specimen as it settles in to captive life.
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