Mystery Fairy Wrasse Care Guide
Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis is a poorly known deep-reef fairy wrasse from the Chagos Archipelago; it feeds on zooplankton and is reef compatible.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis, the mystery fairy wrasse, is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae described by Randall and Emery in 1983. It is generally very poorly known. Populations formerly attributed to it in the Maldives and Sri Lanka were described as a separate species, C. finifenmaa, in 2022.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Cirrhilabrus
- Scientific name: Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis
- Described by Randall and Emery, 1983
Habitat
The species is now considered native to the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It occurs on mesophotic reefs at depths recorded between about 41 and 70 m. FishBase lists a depth range of about 41 to 48 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 7.2 cm standard length (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 4-8 years
Like other fairy wrasses, it jumps readily, so a securely covered aquarium is essential.
Diet
Based on its relatives, the mystery fairy wrasse is a carnivore with a trophic level around 3.3 that takes small planktonic prey. In aquaria fairy wrasses accept 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
As with the genus, it is reef safe and does not harm corals or ornamental invertebrates.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2009).
Breeding the Rosy-Scales Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis)
Overview
Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis (Randall & Emery, 1983) is native to the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, where it lives on mesophotic reefs at depths of 41 to 70 m and reaches about 7.2 cm standard length. The species is generally very poorly known and is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN; a population once attributed to it in the Maldives was reclassified as a separate species, C. finifenmaa, in 2022. As a member of the genus it follows the fairy-wrasse pattern of protogyny and pelagic spawning.
Sexing
Detailed dimorphism data for this little-studied species are limited, but as a Cirrhilabrus it is a protogynous hermaphrodite in which all individuals begin as females and the dominant member of a group changes into a functional male. The resulting terminal male is the largest fish and carries the brighter coloration and longer fins characteristic of the genus, while females remain smaller and plainer.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Genus-wide reproductive behaviour applies: a dominant male courts a harem of females using a rapid 'flashing' display that briefly reveals metallic blue or violet patches absent at rest, signalling male identity, deterring rivals and advertising spawning readiness. Spawning is a brief paired rise into open water where buoyant eggs and sperm are shed together. The species' deep, mesophotic habitat means these events occur well below the depths typical aquarists observe.
Egg & Fry Care
Fairy wrasses broadcast small buoyant eggs that hatch into planktonic larvae, with no nest, guarding or parental care. The larvae drift and feed in open water during a prolonged pelagic phase. There is no documented method for rearing the larvae of this rarely imported species, and captive breeding has not been reported.
Common Challenges
Two obstacles compound here: the species is a deep mesophotic fish that is uncommon in the trade, and like all fairy wrasses its planktonic larvae cannot be raised in home systems. Any attempt to keep adults in conditions resembling their habitat must account for their deep-reef origin and zooplankton-based feeding.