Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Splendid Pintail Fairy Wrasse, also known as just the Splendid Fairy Wrasse, is found across the Indo-Pacific. A male Splendid pintail fairy wrasse is red/orange/pink in color with yellow patterning along the flank and a solid line that runs horizontally. Where this fish gets its name ‘pintail’, however, is because of how the coloration from the body uniquely comes together into the caudal (tail) fin at a point, giving it this appearance. Individuals in the ‘Initial Phase’ have yet to mature into their vibrant coloration. Females, or juveniles, tend to be less boldly marked than males. Like many wrasses in the genus Cirrhilabrus, the Splendid pintail 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, Splendid pintail fairy wrasses can reach a size of approximately 5″.

Diet Requirements: 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. Splendid pintail fairy wrasses may also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 75 gallon aquarium is required for a Splendid pintail fairy wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Splendid pintail fairy wrasses enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through, and such live rock arrangements can also help to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior. The Splendid pintail 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 Splendid pintail 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 Splendid pintail fairy wrasse before larger or more active fish in order to allow it to acclimate to the environment and begin feeding. Splendid pintail fairy wrasses are best kept one male per aquarium and solitary, unless you can positively identify male from female, to which a male with multiple females can be grouped together. This wrasse can also be successfully kept with other like Cirrhilabrus [fairy] and Paracheilinus [flasher] wrasses. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.