All fish / Labridae

Whip-fin Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus filamentosus

Also known as whipfin fairy wrasse, filamented fairy wrasse, filamentous fairy wrasse, whip fin wrasse, filamentosus wrasse, whipfin wrasse, フィラメントーサス, 丝鳍丝隆头鱼

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A small, reef safe fairy wrasse whose males show red to purple bodies with yellow and blue tones and long filaments on the dorsal fin's first rays, plus pelvic fins that they flash during displays. Keepers value it for its constant activity in open water and the vivid courtship shows males put on each evening.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

One male with one or more females; only one male per tank unless very large

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood and quality pellets, fed two or three times daily

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia (Java Sea, Bali, Flores) and nearby areas

Breeding

It is a protogynous hermaphrodite that spawns in pairs in the water column at dusk, with the largest female able to turn into a male. Captive spawning occurs in harems, but rearing the tiny pelagic larvae is very difficult and rarely achieved.

Good to know

Fairy wrasses are known jumpers, so a tight fitting lid is essential; males also quarrel with other Cirrhilabrus males. The seller's label "Yes" is not a recognised name, so check the species when buying, because many fairy wrasses look alike.