Solar Fairy Wrasse Care Guide
Cirrhilabrus solorensis is an Indonesian fairy wrasse that lives in harems on coral reefs and feeds on zooplankton; it is peaceful and reef compatible.
Overview
Cirrhilabrus solorensis, the solar or red-eye fairy wrasse, is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae described by Bleeker in 1853. Males are brightly coloured with a yellowish to yellow-green snout, blue operculum, purple neck and blue belly, while females are duller. The species was commonly confused with C. aquamarinus and C. chaliasi until 2021.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Cirrhilabrus
- Scientific name: Cirrhilabrus solorensis
- Described by Bleeker, 1853
Habitat
The species occurs in the western Pacific from Indonesia to northern Australia, with its southern limit near Darwin. It inhabits coastal and outer reef lagoons over rubble and coral at depths of about 5 to 35 m, living in small harems of one male with several females and juveniles.
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 11 cm total length (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 4-8 years
Fairy wrasses are notable jumpers, so a securely covered aquarium is important.
Diet
The solar fairy wrasse is a carnivore that feeds on zooplankton in the water column. In aquaria it accepts meaty frozen and prepared marine foods offered in several small daily feedings.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, mid-water fairy wrasse suited to reef communities with clownfish, tangs, anthias and gobies. Aggressive damsels and triggerfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
Cirrhilabrus fairy wrasses are reef safe; they do not eat corals and feed on plankton rather than ornamental invertebrates.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2009).