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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Breeding Naoko's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus naokoae)
Overview
Cirrhilabrus naokoae (Randall & Tanaka, 2009) is an eastern Indian Ocean fairy wrasse from Indonesia, with the type material taken from the aquarium trade and probably originating off Sumatra. It is reef-associated, usually found at 10 to 20 m, and stays small at about 6 cm standard length. Like its relatives it is a planktivorous, protogynous wrasse whose breeding follows the genus pattern.
Sexing
Males of C. naokoae show distinctive live colours, with red dorsal areas, bluish ventral regions and a yellow lateral stripe, and notably broad, long pelvic fins extending beyond the spinous part of the anal fin; female coloration differs. As a protogynous hermaphrodite, the species begins life as females, and the dominant individual changes into a functional male, so the brightest, longest-finned and largest fish is the terminal male.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
FishBase records distinct pairing during breeding for C. naokoae. In keeping with the genus, a male advertises readiness through a brief 'flashing' display, transiently revealing metallic blue or violet markings that are hidden at rest, both to attract females and to deter rival males. A receptive female then joins the male in a short paired ascent into open water where buoyant eggs and sperm are released together.
Egg & Fry Care
Naoko's fairy wrasse is a broadcast spawner whose small buoyant eggs hatch into planktonic larvae; there is no nest and no parental care. The larvae feed and drift in open water through an extended pelagic stage, which cannot be reproduced in home aquaria. Captive breeding of this species has not been reported.
Common Challenges
The limiting step is rearing the planktonic larvae, not coaxing adults to spawn. A spacious system with open swimming room and small zooplankton-type foods supports natural behaviour, but the larval phase remains beyond home-scale culture.