Pyle's Fairy Wrasse

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Tropical Western Pacific. Deep-water species, inhabiting outer vertical coral reef slopes and rubble zones between 30 and 80 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Reaches about 10 cm. Slender body with very broad dorsal and caudal fins in males during courtship displays.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and elegant swimmer, likes to patrol the water column above coral formations not exposed to overly intense light.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Stunning coloration: pink-salmon or yellowish body with a characteristic dark dorsal fin edged with neon blue and a fan-shaped caudal fin colored in blue.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 200 liters (55 gallons) with plenty of live rock arranged to form caves and shaded ledges. Prefers dim lighting.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Supplement with frozen mysis, brine shrimp, copepods, and krill-based foods. Accepts small pellets.

Water Quality: Temperature 22-26°C (72-78°F, prefers relatively cool water due to deep habitat), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Keep water clean.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef-safe. Ideal for community aquariums with hard and soft corals. Coexists well with other peaceful reef fish.

Aquarium Reproduction: Reproduction is not successfully documented in home aquariums. In the wild, they release pelagic eggs that rise to the surface.

Risks and Diseases: Significant risk of jumping out of the tank. The aquarium must be covered with a complete lid or a suitable fine mesh screen.