Red-scaled Fairy Wrasse

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Indian Ocean: Chagos Archipelago. Inhabits deep seaward reefs and rubble flats at depths exceeding 40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Grows up to 11 cm. Streamlined body shape with large fins designed for quick maneuvers.

Social Behavior: Peaceful towards other reef fish. Dominant males lead harems of females. Active swimmer that sleeps in rock crevices within a mucus cocoon.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Anterior body is bright red to pinkish-orange with dark-edged scales; posterior is yellow or lavender. Males are larger and significantly more colorful.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 400 liters. Provide a spacious swimming area and plenty of live rock with caves to simulate its deep-reef habitat.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Planktivorous feeder. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp, krill, and copepods at least twice daily to support high activity levels.

Water Quality: Keep temperature at 22-28°C, pH 8.0-8.5, salinity 1.020-1.026 SG. High oxygen level and efficient filtration are required.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal for peaceful community reefs. Keep with non-aggressive tankmates. Avoid housing multiple males together.

Aquarium Reproduction: Broadcast pelagic spawner. Spawns in open water column. Captive breeding has not been successfully achieved in home aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: High jumping risk; a tight lid or screen cover is mandatory. Susceptible to stress-induced diseases if harassed by tankmates.