All fish / Labridae

Walsh's Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus walshi

Also known as walsh's fairy wrasse, walshi fairy wrasse, walsh fairy wrasse, walshi wrasse, ウォルシーズフェアリーラス, 沃氏丝隆头鱼

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A small, slender fairy wrasse from deeper outer reef slopes, with males showing reddish to magenta bodies, a long dorsal fin and bright colour patches during display. It is prized by reef keepers as a rare, reef-safe species that swims actively in open water and does not bother corals or invertebrates.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 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

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: American Samoa (Tutuila); possibly nearby islands

Breeding

Like other fairy wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite that spawns in pairs in open water at dusk, releasing pelagic eggs. Spawning displays sometimes happen in captivity, but raising the tiny larvae has very rarely been achieved.

Good to know

A tight-fitting lid is essential because fairy wrasses often jump out of tanks. It is rarely available and expensive, and can be confused with other red Cirrhilabrus species, so check the identification before buying.