Solorensis Fairy Wrasse

The solorensis fairy wrasse is one of the colorful species of the genus Cirrhilabrus from Indonesia. Males have a red head, a body ranging from blue-green to purple and large, colorful fins that open during display; females are smaller and plainer. Fairy wrasses spend the night inside a thin mucus cocoon that they secrete themselves; this is normal. Specimens are wild-collected.

• At least 250 liters for one male and 2–3 females; open swimming space above, rock structures below.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe; it leaves corals and invertebrates alone.
• A lid is essential: Fairy wrasses are excellent jumpers; use a mesh lid.

Carnivorous; in the wild it eats zooplankton. Offer frozen mysis, copepods, enriched brine shrimp and small granules. Small amounts 2–3 times a day.

Peaceful. In the late afternoon the male displays to the females by spreading his fins. Two males in the same aquarium, as well as other similarly colored Cirrhilabrus males, will fight.

Good companions: Anthias, flasher wrasses, clownfish, cardinalfish, gobies, tangs, cleaner shrimp.

Avoid: Dominant small wrasses such as the sixline wrasse, dottybacks, lionfish and large predators.