Red-margined Fairy Wrasse

The red-margined fairy wrasse is one of the large species of the genus Cirrhilabrus. On the males' pink-lavender body, the most striking detail is the broad red band along the outer edge of the dorsal, anal and tail fins. In the wild it lives in loose groups at depths of 25–50 meters, on rubble and sandy areas at the foot of steep reef slopes; juveniles are found alone in shallower water. Specimens are wild-collected; because they come from deep water, they need a dim and calm environment in the first days.

• At least 300 liters and 120 cm in length for a small harem; plenty of open swimming space.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Rock crevices to sleep in at night; a lid against jumping is essential.
• Reef-safe: It leaves corals and invertebrates alone.

Carnivorous; it picks plankton. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp, copepods, fish roe and small granule foods in small amounts 2–3 times a day.

Peaceful. Males display at and chase males of their own species and similarly colored Cirrhilabrus males; it can be kept with differently colored fairy wrasses in a large aquarium.

Good companions: Anthias, flasher wrasses, dwarf angelfish, tangs, clownfish, gobies.

Avoid: Lionfish, groupers, large dottybacks, a second male of the same species.