Naoko's Fairy Wrasse Care Guide

Cirrhilabrus naokoae is a reef-associated labrid from the eastern Indian Ocean off Sumatra, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Overview

Cirrhilabrus naokoae, Naoko's fairy wrasse, is a species of wrasse in the family Labridae, described by Randall and Tanaka in 2009. It is a reef-associated marine fish that reaches the aquarium trade and belongs to a wider species complex of Indo-Pacific fairy wrasses.

Taxonomy

• Family: Labridae
• Genus: Cirrhilabrus
• Scientific name: Cirrhilabrus naokoae
• Authors: Randall & Tanaka, 2009

Habitat

The species is found in the eastern Indian Ocean off Indonesia, specifically western Sumatra, with records from Nias Island. The type specimen was probably of aquarium-trade origin. It is reef-associated and usually occurs at depths of about 10 to 20 m in tropical waters.

Tank requirements

• Minimum tank volume: 300 L
• Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °dKH
• Size: 8-10 cm (FishBase max length 6 cm SL)
• Lifespan: 4-8 years

Diet

It is a carnivore at a trophic level estimated by FishBase at about 3.3. In the aquarium it should receive small meaty marine foods such as enriched brine shrimp and mysis offered several times a day.

Compatibility

It is a peaceful, diurnal, mid-water swimmer regarded as reef-safe. It associates well with calm marine fish such as clownfish, tangs, anthias and gobies, and should be kept away from aggressive damselfishes and triggerfishes. A secure cover is recommended, as fairy wrasses are prone to jumping.

Breeding

FishBase records distinct pairing during breeding. The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite like its relatives, and captive reproduction is regarded as extremely difficult.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (assessed 2023, per FishBase). Its limited known range off Sumatra makes the species more sensitive to collection pressure than most fairy wrasses.