Common name: Flame wrasse

General information

The Red Sea Fairy Wrasse, scientifically known as Cirrhilabrus jordani, is a vibrant and active fish that adds a splash of color to any saltwater aquarium. This species is part of the wrasse family, known for their bright coloration and dynamic behavior. The males are particularly striking with their deep red bodies and blue to purple accents along the fins and face.

Care

Caring for the Red Sea Fairy Wrasse requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. They are peaceful fish that do well in a community tank but can be territorial with other wrasses. A varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood will help maintain their color and health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Red Sea Fairy Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is removed. In captivity, breeding is less common, but providing a group with multiple females to one male may encourage natural social structures and potential breeding behavior.

Habitat

Native to the Red Sea, Cirrhilabrus jordani is typically found in coral-rich areas and reef slopes. They prefer environments with strong water movement and are known to inhabit depths from just below the surface to about 20 meters deep.

Geographical distribution is limited to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, making them a somewhat rarer find in the aquarium trade compared to other wrasses.