Labout's Fairy Wrasse

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Tropical Western Pacific. Inhabits exposed outer reef slopes and sandy-rubble zones rich in hard corals of the Coral Sea down to depths of 55 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Reaches about 12 cm. Torpedo-shaped, laterally compressed body, with eyes equipped with a specialized cornea for depth.

Social Behavior: Tireless and elegant swimmer. At night it produces a gelatinous, transparent cocoon to hide its scent from predators.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Unique and spectacular coloration: lemon-yellow body striped with longitudinal magenta, orange, and neon-blue lines. Multicolored rounded caudal fin.

Aquarium Setup: Tank of at least 200 liters (55 gallons) rich in rocks with many open lanes for fast swimming in mid-water. Maintain stable lighting.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Provide a varied diet with mysis, brine shrimp, fresh or frozen copepods, and small-sized enriched dry pellets.

Water Quality: Temperature 22-27°C (72-80°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Excellent water quality guaranteed by a good skimmer.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef-safe. Does not cause damage to hard or soft corals, or medium-sized ornamental crustaceans. Excellent tankmate for community tanks.

Aquarium Reproduction: Reproduction is not recorded in domestic captivity due to the complex pelagic larval phase.

Risks and Diseases: Jumps frequently if startled or disturbed. It is necessary to cover the top of the aquarium perfectly with a fine mesh screen.