Blue-Side Fairy Wrasse Care Guide
Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura is an Indo-West Pacific fairy wrasse that schools above reefs and feeds on zooplankton; it is peaceful and reef compatible.
Overview
Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura, the blue-side fairy wrasse, is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae described by Bleeker in 1851. Males display more complex colouring than females and juveniles, with blue-rimmed scales and blue-purple markings. Unlike most fairy wrasses, it often occurs in schools.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Cirrhilabrus
- Scientific name: Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura
- Described by Bleeker, 1851
Habitat
The species is native to the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, ranging from the Andaman Sea and Christmas Island to the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef. It forms aggregations 1-2 m above coral or rocky bottoms along lagoon, channel and outer reef slopes, occasionally in large schools. FishBase gives a depth range of about 2 to 30 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH: 8-12
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Maximum size: about 15 cm standard length (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 4-8 years
Like other fairy wrasses, it jumps readily, so a secure cover is essential.
Diet
The blue-side fairy wrasse is a carnivore that feeds on zooplankton. In aquaria it accepts meaty frozen and prepared marine foods in several small daily feedings.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, mid-water species for reef communities with clownfish, tangs, anthias and gobies. Aggressive damsels and triggerfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The species is reef safe; it does not eat corals or ornamental invertebrates, feeding instead on plankton.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2008). It may be common but is reported to face threats including blast fishing, sedimentation, pollution, aquarium collection and shallow-reef habitat loss.