Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse, also known as the Blue and Red Fairy Wrasse or Red Fin Fairy Wrasse, is found across the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. Because of this distribution, there is considerable variation in the vibrancy of color and patterning among individual Ruby longfin fairy wrasses. Overall however, Ruby longfin fairy wrasses are red/orange in color with a pale belly and scarlet ventral and anal fins that have accents of blue. Female coloration will be subdued, and have less elaborate fins. Like many wrasses in the genus Cirrhilabrus, the Ruby longfin fairy wrasse is an attractive and peaceful fish that will feel right at home in your reef aquarium. One of the hardier members of the genus, Ruby longfin fairy wrasses can reach a size of approximately 3″.
Diet Requirements: Ruby longfin fairy wrasses are carnivores, actively hunting tiny crustaceans (e.g., copepods) throughout the day. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other mixed frozen foods that contain algae, such as spirulina, will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as fairy wrasses have very high metabolisms. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding can also help and in turn create more of a natural environment for a fairy wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Ruby longfin fairy wrasses may also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.
Care Requirements: An established, minimum 55 gallon aquarium is required for a Ruby longfin fairy wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Ruby longfin fairy wrasses enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through and around while they hunt, but this rock also provides shaded areas away from the aquarium lights that this wrasse absolutely requires to thrive. Such live rock arrangements can also help to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior. The Ruby longfin fairy wrasse is not tolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and an established tank also offers microinvertebrates and crustaceans that naturally accumulate over time as the aquarium ages for it to prey on. Given their peaceful and timid nature, a Ruby longfin fairy wrasse can be easily bullied and therefore should not be kept with overly aggressive species, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources. It is best to add a Ruby longfin fairy wrasse before larger or more active fish in order to allow it to acclimate to the environment and begin feeding. Ruby longfin fairy wrasses are best kept one male per aquarium and solitary, unless you can positively identify male from female. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
