Catherine's Fairy Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Pacific: Ryukyu Islands, Izu Islands, and the Mariana Islands. Commonly found in deep lagoons and outer seaward reefs at depths ranging from 10 to 40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae, genus Cirrhilabrus. Features an elongated, slender body with prominent, mobile eyes. Grows up to 8.0 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and highly active open-water swimmer. Best kept in small harems consisting of one male and multiple females.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Characterized by a gradient body pattern and a dorsal fin with a black border. Adult males exhibit highly vivid colors that intensify during courtship displays. Females are typically smaller and simpler in coloration.

Aquarium Setup: Needs a tank of at least 120.0 liters with plenty of live rock arranged to create caves and swim-throughs. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory to prevent jumping.

Diet and Feeding: Zooplanktivore. Feed a varied diet including vitamin-enriched mysis, brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality small marine pellets.

Water Quality: Requires stable marine parameters: temperature 22.0-26.0 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Good filtration is necessary.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef-safe and compatible with most peaceful community fish. Avoid large or aggressive tankmates that could intimidate them.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Spawns pelagically; captive breeding is extremely difficult and rarely successful in private aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: High risk of jumping out of the tank when startled. Susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) if stressed.