Description

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus shutmani
• Common Names: Magma Fairy Wrasse, Magma Wrasse
• Maximum Length: 2.2 inches (5.6 cm)
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 50 gallons (189 liters) for a single fish; larger for groups to support their active swimming and social behavior.
• Foods and Feeding Habits: Carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small invertebrates in the wild. In aquariums, offer meaty foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, high-quality frozen foods, pieces of fresh seafood, flake and pellet foods. Feed two or three times a day.
• Reef Safety: Reef-safe; they do not harm corals or invertebrates, making them suitable for reef tanks.
• Temperament: Peaceful; a single male can be kept with a group of females. A tight-fitting canopy is recommended to prevent jumping.
• Description: The Magma Fairy Wrasse is a rare gem in marine tanks, captivating with its fiery beauty and elusiveness. Males glow with a solid red body that fades to a vibrant yellow-orange tail, while females and juveniles display softer pink and orange tones. Native to the northern Philippines around the Babuyan Islands, they thrive in steep rubble slopes at depths of 50-70 meters near Didicas Volcano. Their diminutive size and lively demeanor make them a prized find for aquarists skilled in deep-water species, bringing a touch of volcanic elegance to the aquarium.

Fun Facts:

• Discovered in 2016 near the Didicas Volcano in the Philippines, earning the name “magma” wrasse due to its fiery red coloration and volcanic habitat.
• Lives at depths of 165-230 feet, one of the deeper-dwelling fairy wrasses, requiring careful acclimation in aquariums to simulate low-light conditions.
• Named after Barnett Paul Shutman, an Israeli tropical-fish exporter who provided the type specimens and photos for its scientific description.