Vibranium Fairy Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Indian Ocean: Tanzania (Zanzibar), deep mesophotic coral reefs. Commonly found in deep lagoons and outer seaward reefs at depths ranging from 10 to 40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae, genus Cirrhilabrus. Features an elongated, slender body with prominent, mobile eyes. Grows up to 7.0 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and highly active open-water swimmer. Best kept in small harems consisting of one male and multiple females.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Named after Marvel's fictional kingdom of Wakanda, due to its metallic purple and blue coloration. Adult males exhibit highly vivid colors that intensify during courtship displays. Females are typically smaller and simpler in coloration.

Aquarium Setup: Needs a tank of at least 120.0 liters with plenty of live rock arranged to create caves and swim-throughs. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory to prevent jumping.

Diet and Feeding: Zooplanktivore. Feed a varied diet including vitamin-enriched mysis, brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality small marine pellets.

Water Quality: Requires stable marine parameters: temperature 22.0-25.0 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Good filtration is necessary.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef-safe and compatible with most peaceful community fish. Avoid large or aggressive tankmates that could intimidate them.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Spawns pelagically; captive breeding is extremely difficult and rarely successful in private aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: High risk of jumping out of the tank when startled. Susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) if stressed.