Exquisite Fairy Wrasse Care Guide
Cirrhilabrus exquisitus is a wide-ranging Indo-Pacific fairy wrasse of current-swept reefs that feeds on zooplankton; it is peaceful and reef compatible.
Overview
Cirrhilabrus exquisitus, the exquisite fairy wrasse, is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae described by James L. B. Smith in 1957, with its type locality at Pinda, Mozambique. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite; males grow larger, develop longer pointed fins and more colourful patterns, and display to one another. Adult males are olive-green dorsally, fading to white, pale blue or pink below, with blue head and body lines and a dark spot at the tail base.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Cirrhilabrus
- Scientific name: Cirrhilabrus exquisitus
- Described by J. L. B. Smith, 1957
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the east coast of Africa south to Sodwana Bay, South Africa, east through the Indian Ocean to the Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the northern Great Barrier Reef. It occurs over rubble or low patch reefs in areas of current, sometimes associating with the mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis. FishBase gives a depth range of about 6 to 40 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: males to about 12 cm standard length (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 4-8 years
Like other fairy wrasses, it jumps readily, so a securely covered aquarium is essential.
Diet
The exquisite fairy wrasse is a carnivore that feeds on zooplankton, often in mixed-sex groups. In aquaria it accepts meaty frozen and prepared marine foods in several small daily feedings.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, mid-water fairy wrasse for reef communities with clownfish, tangs, anthias and gobies. Aggressive damsels and triggerfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The species is reef safe and does not harm corals or ornamental invertebrates.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2009).