All fish / Labridae

Shutman's Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus shutmani

Also known as shutmani fairy wrasse, shutman's wrasse, shutman fairy wrasse, philippine fairy wrasse, シュットマニ, 舒氏丝隆头鱼

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A small, slender fairy wrasse from the Philippines. Mature males are purple to violet with yellowish tones on the head and fins, and they put on bright flashing displays. It is kept because it is colourful, active, safe with corals and stays small, which makes it a good reef fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

One male with one or more females

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, fine frozen foods and small pellets, fed several times a day

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Northern Philippines (Luzon), western Pacific

Breeding

It spawns in pairs in open water and starts life as a female, with the dominant fish later turning male. Spawning sometimes happens in aquariums, but raising the tiny pelagic larvae is very rarely achieved.

Good to know

Fairy wrasses are known jumpers, so the tank needs a tight-fitting lid or mesh cover. Two males should not share a small tank, and it is easy to mix up with similar species such as C. lyukyuensis and C. katherinae.