Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse is found across the Indo-Pacific. Because of this wide distribution, there is considerable variation in the vibrancy of color and patterning among individual Yellowfin fairy wrasses. Overall, a male Yellowfin fairy wrasse will be red/pink in color that interchanges with white, with a yellow dorsal fin. Females tend to be solid red/pink in color that is less vibrant, with a black spot near its caudal fin; females of this species are infrequently seen in the aquarium trade. Like many wrasses in the genus Cirrhilabrus, the Yellowfin 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, Yellowfin fairy wrasses can reach a size of approximately 3″.

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. Yellowfin 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 Yellowfin fairy wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Yellowfin 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 Yellowfin 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 Yellowfin 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 Yellowfin fairy wrasse before larger or more active fish in order to allow it to acclimate to the environment and begin feeding. Yellowfin fairy wrasses are best kept one male per aquarium. 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: Small: 3/4″ to 1 1/4″ Medium: 1 1/4″ to 2″ Large: 2″ to 3″

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