Red-finned Fairy Wrasse

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to the tropical Western Pacific, particularly around the Philippines and Indonesia. Inhabits outer reef slopes rich in soft corals and sponges at depths of 10 to 40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the genus Cirrhilabrus. Grows to a maximum length of 8 cm (3.1 inches). Characterized by unusually large and rounded dorsal and anal fins in adult males.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and slightly shy when first introduced. Active open-water swimmer during the day. Sleeps in a protective mucus cocoon in rock crevices at night.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males feature a reddish-orange body highlighted by brilliant, deep scarlet red dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Females are smaller, mostly uniform pinkish-orange with translucent fins.

Aquarium Setup: Needs a tank of at least 120 liters with plenty of live rock forming caves and overhangs for security. A tight lid or mesh cover is mandatory to prevent jumps.

Diet and Feeding: Planktivore. Offer small frozen foods like mysis, brine shrimp, and copepods, along with small high-quality pellet or flake foods multiple times daily.

Water Quality: Maintain stable reef parameters: temperature 24-26°C (75-79°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.022-1.025, GH 15-25, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Completely reef-safe. Does not bother corals or sessile invertebrates. Best kept with peaceful reef fish; do not house with aggressive tankmates or conspecific males.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unreported in home aquaria. In nature, they engage in pelagic spawning in the water column after elaborate courtship displays.

Risks and Diseases: Prone to typical marine parasites if harassed. Significant risk of jumping out of the tank if startled.