Cirrhilabrus
I have only kept two of these wonderful fish, Cirrhilabrus solorensis and Cirrhilabrus lubbocki. Both were lovely fish in the aquarium, constantly moving around and usually swimming in the water column. They were both peaceful and associated well with other wrasse genus within the reef setup. These fish are planktivores, eating zooplankton from the water column. They feed constantly so it is essential they are fed several times a day. I have found that most small particles of food, frozen or live brine shrimp, copepods, good quality flake and pellets are all readily eaten. Care must be taken that there is not too much competition from other more aggressive planktivores in the tank. I have never had a problem with either of my fish harming invertebrates within my reef system.
Although they are small fish, around 10cms in length they are free swimmers and so need a reasonable sized aquarium. This genus sleep and hide in small caves and crevices within the rock and corals so it is essential that these are provided for.
As with all wrasse ensure the aquarium is fully covered as they may, when startled decide to jump out and go carpet surfing!
This genus of fish has generally been know as Fairy Wrasse but recently people have begun to call them Dwarf Parrot Wrasse. This is confusing as I have also seen fish from the genus Paracheilinus also called Dwarf Parrot Wrasse! Try to use the scientific names to avoid confusion.
Scientific name derives from: Latin, cirrus = curl or fringe + Greek, labros = furious.
Cirrhilabrus:The Fairy Wrasses Philip Hunt (2010)
The Fairy Wrasses:Cirrhilabrus spp Henry C Schultz 111 (2008)
Fairy Wrasses: the lunatus group Lemon Tyk (2015)
Fairy Wrasses: A review of the genus Cerrhilabrus Joe Rowlett (2015)
Keeping and Feeding the Fairy Wrasses Kenneth Wingerter (2016)
Fairies and Flashers, with notes from the wild Lemon Tyk (2014)
Although they are small fish, around 10cms in length they are free swimmers and so need a reasonable sized aquarium. This genus sleep and hide in small caves and crevices within the rock and corals so it is essential that these are provided for.
As with all wrasse ensure the aquarium is fully covered as they may, when startled decide to jump out and go carpet surfing!
This genus of fish has generally been know as Fairy Wrasse but recently people have begun to call them Dwarf Parrot Wrasse. This is confusing as I have also seen fish from the genus Paracheilinus also called Dwarf Parrot Wrasse! Try to use the scientific names to avoid confusion.
Scientific name derives from: Latin, cirrus = curl or fringe + Greek, labros = furious.
Cirrhilabrus:The Fairy Wrasses Philip Hunt (2010)
The Fairy Wrasses:Cirrhilabrus spp Henry C Schultz 111 (2008)
Fairy Wrasses: the lunatus group Lemon Tyk (2015)
Fairy Wrasses: A review of the genus Cerrhilabrus Joe Rowlett (2015)
Keeping and Feeding the Fairy Wrasses Kenneth Wingerter (2016)
Fairies and Flashers, with notes from the wild Lemon Tyk (2014)
Cirrhilabrus lubbocki, Lubbock's Fairy wrasse. This was a very pretty and peaceful fish in my reef. While not as stunning as some of the other fish in this genus he was a lovely addition to my fish collection. As with others in his genus he is a plankton feeder spending much of his time swimming in the water column looking for food. He will swim around the rocks and looked for overhangs and shady areas during the day.
He was very peaceful with other fish but the one in my reef was rather timid so needed to be with other peaceful fish.
Cirrhilabrus Lubbocki Fishbase
The other Lubbocks Fairy wrasse Joe Rowlett (2016)
He was very peaceful with other fish but the one in my reef was rather timid so needed to be with other peaceful fish.
Cirrhilabrus Lubbocki Fishbase
The other Lubbocks Fairy wrasse Joe Rowlett (2016)
Cirrilhabrus solorensis, Red eyed Fairy wrasse. This fish is know by a number of common names. They are all about its colouration with each an attempt to describe it. Names it is commonly referred to include Red-eyed Fairy Wrasse, Redheaded Fairy Wrasse, Solar Fairy Wrasse, Clown Fairy Wrasse, Koi Fairy Wrasse and Tricolor Fairy Wrasse.
In my experience this fish is great in a reef tank. It is generally peaceful and it gets along well with other species of fairy wrasse as well as other genera of wrasses. It is considered reef safe because it generally will not bother corals, ornamental shrimp, or other bottom dwelling invertebrates. It is really striking and spends much of its time in the water column looking for plankton to feed upon. Mine has also liked some shady areas where he can wander into. Is the focus of a bit of aggro from my flasher wrasse which is a bit unusual. Not too serious as he has plenty of places to get out of the way. Mainly darting and 'flashing' without any contact.
Cirrhilabris solorensis Fishbase
Cirrhilabrus solorensis PFK magazine
Updated 23.2.20
In my experience this fish is great in a reef tank. It is generally peaceful and it gets along well with other species of fairy wrasse as well as other genera of wrasses. It is considered reef safe because it generally will not bother corals, ornamental shrimp, or other bottom dwelling invertebrates. It is really striking and spends much of its time in the water column looking for plankton to feed upon. Mine has also liked some shady areas where he can wander into. Is the focus of a bit of aggro from my flasher wrasse which is a bit unusual. Not too serious as he has plenty of places to get out of the way. Mainly darting and 'flashing' without any contact.
Cirrhilabris solorensis Fishbase
Cirrhilabrus solorensis PFK magazine
Updated 23.2.20