Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Fairy Wrasse (general) - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Fairy Wrasse (general) at a glance
Adult size: 4 inches · Min tank/pond: 55 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: carnivore · Lifespan: 5-10 years.
Fairy Wrasse (general) (Cirrhilabrus spp.) is a popular saltwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of stable-tank experience.
Where Fairy Wrasse (general) comes from
Fairy Wrasse (general) (Cirrhilabrus spp.) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems. Wild populations distribute across coral reefs from East Africa through Indonesia, the Philippines, and into the western Pacific. Captive-bred Fairy Wrasse (general) is increasingly available and is the more sustainable choice when you can find it.
Fairy Wrasse (general) tank size and setup
Fairy Wrasse (general) requires a minimum of 55 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 4 inches adult size and territorial range. For Fairy Wrasse (general), plan a mature reef tank with stable parameters, sand bed, live rock for cover, and reef LED if photosynthetic.
Water parameters for Fairy Wrasse (general)
Fairy Wrasse (general) requires standard reef parameters: temperature 76-80°F, specific gravity 1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-9 dKH, calcium 420-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 10 ppm. Use a refractometer (not hydrometer) to measure salinity.
What Fairy Wrasse (general) eats
Fairy Wrasse (general) is a carnivore. Provide frozen mysis, brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food triggers feeding response in stressed arrivals. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Fairy Wrasse (general) tankmates and compatibility
Fairy Wrasse (general) is best paired with peaceful reef-tank species in similar size class. Avoid known fin-nippers and large aggressive species.
Fairy Wrasse (general) adult size and lifespan
Fairy Wrasse (general) reaches 4 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-10 years with proper care.
Can you breed Fairy Wrasse (general)?
Fairy Wrasse (general) breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward to very difficult. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities.
Common Fairy Wrasse (general) diseases and problems
Fairy Wrasse (general) is susceptible to ich, velvet, marine flukes, and bacterial infections. Quarantine new Fairy Wrasse (general) for 4-6 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Fairy Wrasse (general) online
Fairy Wrasse (general) is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Fairy Wrasse (general) from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related saltwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.