Common name: Beau’s wrasse
General information
Beauperry's Fairy Wrasse, scientifically known as Cirrhilabrus beauperryi, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. This species is part of the wrasse family and is known for its striking coloration, which includes a mix of green, blue, and purple hues that can vary depending on the individual and its environment.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 150 liter (40 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy May jump; needs a lid
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
- Social
- Harem Best in groups, 1 male
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusFairy WrassesCirrhilabrus
- SpeciesBeau’s wrasseCirrhilabrus beauperryi Allen, Drew & Barber, 2008
Care
Beauperry's Fairy Wrasse is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. A varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood will help maintain their vibrant colors and overall health. It's important to have a tightly fitting lid as wrasses are known to jump when startled or stressed.
Reproduction
In the wild, Beauperry's Fairy Wrasse forms harems consisting of a dominant male and several females. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning females have the ability to turn into males if the dominant male is no longer present. Breeding in captivity is challenging but possible with a well-maintained environment and careful attention to their social dynamics.
Habitat
Beauperry's Fairy Wrasse is found in the Western Pacific, from the Great Barrier Reef to New Caledonia, and inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs. They prefer depths ranging from 5 to 35 meters where they can be seen darting among the corals and rocks.