All fish / Labridae

Kato's Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus katoi

Also known as kato's fairy wrasse, katoi fairy wrasse, kato fairy wrasse, katoi wrasse, 加藤氏丝隆头鱼

Kato's Fairy Wrasse is a small, slim wrasse with a warm reddish body that fades into pinks and yellows, and males show brighter fins and a stronger display colour. It lives in groups on deeper reefs off southern Japan, and keepers value it as a rare, reef-safe fish that adds active colour to the middle of the tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

One male with two or more females, or a single fish

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Northwest Pacific: southern Japan (Izu and nearby coasts), possibly Taiwan

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. Eggs and larvae are pelagic and tiny, so raising young in home aquariums is very rarely achieved.

Good to know

It comes from fairly deep, cooler water, so it may struggle in very warm tanks; use a tight-fitting lid, as fairy wrasses often jump. It is seldom imported and is easily confused with other red Cirrhilabrus species, so check the identification when buying.