Description
Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus rubrimarginatus
Common Names: Red-margined Fairy Wrasse, Pink Margin Fairy Wrasse
Maximum Length: 5 inches (12.2 cm)
Minimum Aquarium Size: 55 gallons (208 liters)
Foods and Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; feeds on zooplankton and small invertebrates in the wild. In aquariums, offer frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, or copepods, supplemented with high-quality marine flake or pellet foods. Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts. May require live foods initially to adapt to aquarium diets.
Reef Safety: Reef-safe; poses no threat to corals or most invertebrates, making it an excellent choice for reef tanks. Safe with ornamental shrimp and clams.
Temperament: Peaceful; ideal for community tanks but may be shy initially. Can be aggressive toward similar fairy wrasses or in cramped conditions. Avoid housing with aggressive fish.
Description: The Red Margin Fairy Wrasse is a vibrant jewel that captivates hobbyists with its dynamic colors and graceful presence. Males dazzle with a mix of red, purple, and blue hues, accented by vivid red margins on their dorsal and tail fins, while females display subtler but equally elegant tones. Aquarists cherish its active swimming, as it weaves through rockwork or dances in open water, bringing life to reef tanks. A 55-gallon tank with ample swimming space and a tight-fitting lid—since these wrasses are known jumpers—suits its energetic nature, while a diet of meaty foods keeps its colors radiant. Its peaceful demeanor and reef-safe habits make it a top pick for hobbyists seeking a stunning, low-maintenance fish that adds both beauty and movement to their aquarium.
Fun Facts
- The Red-margined Fairy Wrasse’s males intensify their colors during courtship, creating a spectacular display for females.
- This species can change from female to male, with a female transforming to take over if a dominant male is absent.
- Found in deep reefs from Japan to Tonga, it thrives in rubble-strewn slopes, a habitat it mimics in well-designed tanks.
