Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Peaceful

Cirrhilabrus rubripinnis exhibits a peaceful and active temperament, spending most of its time swimming in the mid-water column. They may be shy and hide in the rockwork when first introduced but will become bold swimmers once settled. Keeping them in a harem setup (one male with several females) encourages the male to display his intense colors and behavior.

Diet

Planktivore

This species is a carnivorous planktivore that feeds on zooplankton in its natural habitat around the Philippines and Indonesia. In captivity, they should be fed a varied diet of high-quality frozen foods, including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and lobster eggs. They will also readily accept dry pellets and flake foods once acclimated. A diverse diet is essential for maintaining the intense red coloration of their fins.

Sex ratio

Harem

Harem (1 male, multiple females).

Feeding frequency

TWO_THREE_DAILY

Because of their active nature and high metabolic rate, Cirrhilabrus rubripinnis should be fed two to three times daily. Feeding small amounts multiple times throughout the day helps replicate their natural feeding patterns and prevents weight loss. It also helps reduce food-related aggression and territory disputes among other peaceful tankmates. Automatic feeders can assist in maintaining a consistent schedule.

Bioload

Redfin Fairy Wrasses demand a steady supply of small, meaty foods throughout the day to support their active swimming style. The need for constant feeding generates a significant amount of detritus, classifying their bioload impact as moderate. Excellent husbandry and efficient skimming are required to keep the aquatic environment clean and pristine.

Flow

Strong

Cirrhilabrus rubripinnis prefers moderate to strong water flow to simulate the currents of their native outer reef slopes and drop-offs. Active water movement helps keep food suspended, encouraging natural feeding behaviors in the water column. However, the tank layout must provide areas of lower flow and rocky overhangs where the fish can rest comfortably and sleep at night.

Jump risk

Yes

Being quite timid by nature, the Redfin Fairy Wrasse will panic and launch itself out of the water if startled by larger fish or room vibrations. They are remarkably accurate jumpers that can fit through tiny equipment cutouts. Having a tightly fitted screen or glass canopy is absolutely paramount to successfully keeping them.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Like other fairy wrasses, Cirrhilabrus rubripinnis is a protogynous hermaphrodite, with the dominant female transitioning into a male if necessary. They are pelagic spawners, performing rapid upward courtship rushes to release eggs and sperm into the water column. Breeding in home aquariums is exceptionally difficult and undocumented due to the specialized needs of rearing the pelagic larvae.

Compatibility & tankmates

Reef safe with caution

This wrasse is 100% reef-safe and compatible with all types of corals, clams, and ornamental invertebrates. It coexists peacefully with other non-aggressive community fish such as gobies, firefish, and anthias. However, males will show aggression toward other male fairy wrasses of similar size or shape. A tight-fitting lid or mesh screen is mandatory, as this species is a notorious jumper.

Tank level

Top/Middle

This species is highly pelagic in the home aquarium, typically swimming freely in the upper and middle layers of the tank. They prefer to stay in the water column to inspect the current for food, occasionally darting downwards. For sleeping and hiding, they rely entirely on the bottom-tier rock crevices.