Common name: Blackfin fairy-warsse
General information
The Black Margin Fairy Wrasse, scientifically known as Cirrhilabrus melanomarginatus, is a striking species of wrasse that is admired for its vibrant coloration and dynamic behavior. This species is part of the diverse and colorful Cirrhilabrus genus, which is well-regarded among aquarists for the genus members' active swimming patterns and ornamental value.
Male Black Margin Fairy Wrasses exhibit a rich palette of colors, with a dominant red or pink body, complemented by a distinctive black margin on the tail fin. Females and juveniles tend to have a more subdued coloration, often displaying a combination of pale pink and yellow hues.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 150 liter (40 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 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 Prefers live rock for hiding
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp
- Social
- Harem Best kept in groups, male with females
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusFairy WrassesCirrhilabrus
- SpeciesBlackfin fairy-warsseCirrhilabrus melanomarginatus Randall & Shen, 1978
- SynonymsNeocirrhilabrus oxyurus Cheng & Wang, 1979
Care
The Black Margin Fairy Wrasse is a hardy species that adapts well to life in a captive environment. They require an aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to provide hiding places and territories. A tightly fitting lid is essential, as wrasses are known jumpers and can leap out of the tank if startled or chased.
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 is also beneficial to include high-quality marine pellets or flakes to ensure a balanced diet.
Reproduction
In the wild, Black Margin Fairy Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. This change is often triggered by social cues, such as the absence of a dominant male. In the aquarium, breeding these wrasses can be challenging, and it is not commonly done by hobbyists.
Habitat
Cirrhilabrus melanomarginatus is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Coral Sea, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Solomon Islands. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reef slopes, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 35 meters.
Their natural habitat is characterized by clear waters with strong currents, which should be replicated in the home aquarium to some extent to keep these wrasses healthy and active.