All fish / Labridae

Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis

Also known as yellow-fin fairy wrasse, yellowfin fairy wrasse, yellow-dorsal fairy wrasse, yellowband fairy wrasse, yellow flasher wrasse, キビレイトヒキベラ, 黄鳍丝隆头鱼, 黄背仙女鱼

A small fairy wrasse with a pinkish red body, white belly and a bright yellow dorsal fin, with males showing stronger colour during display. It is popular in reef tanks because it is peaceful, reef safe and active in open water.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6.5 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

One male with one or more females; avoid two males in small tanks

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, quality small pellets and flakes, fed several times daily

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Palau and nearby reefs

Breeding

Pairs or harems spawn in open water at dusk, releasing tiny pelagic eggs. Spawning can occur in aquariums but raising the larvae is very difficult and rarely achieved.

Good to know

Fairy wrasses are expert jumpers, so a tightly fitting lid or mesh cover is essential. Males can fight with other Cirrhilabrus males, and newly imported fish may need small, frequent meals to settle.