Deepwater Fairy Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Outer reefs of the Coral Sea and Vanuatu. Found at significant depths ranging from 60 to 200 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Family Labridae. Slender body with large eyes suited for low light conditions. Grows to 8 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, active reef dweller. Can be kept in a harem with one male and several females introduced together.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males display bright orange, red, and yellow coloration. Females are mostly pinkish-orange. Protogynous hermaphrodite.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 150 liters with live rock caves. Moderate lighting is preferred to mimic deep-water environments.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feed frozen mysis, artemia, calanus, and high-quality vitamin-enriched marine pellets.

Water Quality: Reef-level stability is required. Keep nitrate and phosphate levels low. High-performance protein skimmer needed.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Safe with corals (reef-safe). Keep with other peaceful reef fish. Do not house with aggressive wrasses.

Aquarium Breeding: Pelagic spawning. Captive breeding is not documented in home aquariums due to tiny larval sizes.

Risks and Diseases: Exceptional jumper. A tightly covered tank (mesh or glass lid) is mandatory to prevent jumps.