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.
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).