All fish / Labridae

Blue-throat Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus cyanogularis

Also known as bluethroat fairy wrasse, blue throat fairy wrasse, blue-throated fairy wrasse, cyanogularis wrasse, cyano fairy wrasse, アオノドベラ, 蓝喉丝隆头鱼

Males have a reddish to orange body, a bright blue throat and chest, and a dark-edged long dorsal fin, while females are plainer pink-orange. They are active, reef-safe swimmers that bring colour and movement to the open water of a reef tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

250 litres

Keep as

One male with several females, or a single fish

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods and quality marine pellets, fed several times a day

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan and southern Japan

Breeding

Like other fairy wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, so females can change into males, and pairs spawn in the water column at dusk. The eggs and larvae drift in the plankton, so captive rearing is rare and difficult.

Good to know

Fairy wrasses are expert jumpers, so a tight lid or mesh cover is essential. Keep only one male per tank unless it is very large, as males fight.