Exquisite Fairy Wrasse

The Exquisite Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus exquisitus) is a vibrant and peaceful marine fish, celebrated for its dynamic coloration and adaptability in reef aquariums.

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Color Form: Varies by region; males often display green bodies with bright red markings, while females exhibit more subdued hues.
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions:
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
  • Temperature: 72–78°F
  • dKH: 8–12
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
• Maximum Size: 5 inches
• Family: Labridae
• Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons

Overview: The Exquisite Fairy Wrasse is renowned for its striking appearance, with coloration that can vary significantly depending on its geographic origin. Males typically showcase a green body adorned with vivid red markings, while females tend to have more muted tones. This species is well-suited for reef aquariums, as it does not harm corals or invertebrates. In the wild, they inhabit shallow rocky reefs and reef edges, often in areas with strong currents.

Care Tips:

• Tank Setup: A well-established aquarium with ample live rock provides necessary hiding spots and territories. Ensure a tight-fitting lid, as these wrasses are known to jump.
• Feeding: Offer a varied diet including vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods, along with high-quality marine flake and pellet food.
• Compatibility: Generally peaceful, the Exquisite Fairy Wrasse can coexist with other non-aggressive fish. However, it may exhibit territorial behavior towards similar species, so caution is advised when housing multiple wrasses.

Fun Fact: The Exquisite Fairy Wrasse is known for its dynamic coloration, which can change based on mood and during courtship displays, adding a lively visual element to the aquarium.

By providing appropriate tank conditions and a suitable diet, the Exquisite Fairy Wrasse can be a stunning and resilient addition to your marine aquarium.