Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus sp.) Care Guide

A genus of incredibly colorful, peaceful reef wrasses. Males display stunning nuptial colors of pinks, purples, reds, and blues.

Overview

Cirrhilabrus sp. is a species in the family Labridae. A genus of incredibly colorful, peaceful reef wrasses. Males display stunning nuptial colors of pinks, purples, reds, and blues. Completely reef-safe and among the best wrasses for community reef tanks. Many species available with varying color patterns.

Taxonomy

Family: Labridae
Genus: Cirrhilabrus
Scientific name: Cirrhilabrus sp.
Other names: Cirrhilabrus Wrasse
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Cirrhilabrus is a large Indo-Pacific genus with more than 60 described species, distributed from the Red Sea to French Polynesia. Fairy wrasses form harems on rubble slopes at the base of coral reefs; the dominant ("terminal phase") male displays intense nuptial colouration that fades quickly when stressed or sleeping.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 8-10 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Tangs, Firefish Goby, Royal Gramma
Avoid with: Other Male Fairy Wrasses, Aggressive Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced