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Exquisite fairy wrasse is one of the larger Cirrhilabrus species - 4.5" with dramatic body coloration that varies by geographic source (Maldives, Africa, Vanuatu, etc.). Each regional variant commands different prices in the US trade. Generally hardier than smaller fairy wrasses.
Native range: Indo-Pacific. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade. The Exquisite Fairy Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Fairy wrasse grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.
Tank size: 90 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Lid: tight-fitting, gap-free. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
Flow: moderate to moderately strong is preferred by most wrasses - they evolved on current-swept reefs. Lighting: standard reef LED works for all wrasses; the fish itself does not require special spectrum.
Carnivore - mysis, brine, copepods, pellets. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss - schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.
Safe: Reef-safe community.
Avoid: Other Cirrhilabrus males.
Not captive bred. Most wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites - born female, transition to male as they reach social dominance in a group. Tank breeding of wrasses is rare due to the complex behaviors and pelagic egg-laying that resists captive replication.
Jumping; regional color confusion at point of sale.
Exquisite fairy wrasse is one of the larger Cirrhilabrus species - 4.5" with dramatic body coloration that varies by geographic source (Maldives, Africa, Vanuatu, etc.). Each regional variant commands different prices in the US trade. Generally hardier than smaller fairy wrasses. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade.
The Exquisite Fairy Wrasse needs a tank of at least 90 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
The Exquisite Fairy Wrasse is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 90 gallons, a temperature of 74-82°F and salinity of 1.024-1.026. Adults reach about 4.5" and live 6-10 years. Exquisite fairy wrasse is one of the larger Cirrhilabrus species - 4.5" with dramatic body coloration that varies by geographic source (Maldives, Africa, Vanuatu, etc.).
Jumping; regional color confusion at point of sale. Keeper note: Larger tank requirement (90+ gallons). Regional variants - verify which population your specimen is from for color expectations. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
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