IntermediatePeacefulReef Safe

Exquisite Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus exquisitus

Family: Labridae · Fairy & Flasher Wrasses

Also known as: Exquisite Wrasse, Pacific Fairy Wrasse

Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová

Max Size

Min Tank

55 gal

Lifespan

5-8 years

Origin

Indo-Pacific, Western Pacific

Diet

Planktivore

Swims

Middle

About

The Exquisite Fairy Wrasse is a subtly beautiful species with an understated elegance that sets it apart from the flashier fairy wrasses. Males display a mosaic of green, blue, orange, and red markings that become significantly more vivid during courtship displays. The body has a greenish base color overlaid with delicate streaks and highlights. Females are more conservatively colored with a reddish-pink body and a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin.

This is one of the hardier and more widely distributed fairy wrasses in the hobby, making it an excellent choice for aquarists new to the Cirrhilabrus genus. It is completely reef-safe and peaceful toward virtually all tankmates, spending most of its time swimming actively in the middle and upper water column. Males will occasionally flash their colors at rival males, but these interactions rarely result in any aggression.

Like all fairy wrasses, the Exquisite Fairy Wrasse is a dedicated jumper and requires a tight-fitting lid. It thrives in reef aquariums with moderate water flow, ample swimming space, and plenty of live rock to retreat into when startled. Multiple small feedings of planktonic foods throughout the day will keep this species in optimal condition.

Feeding & Diet

Planktivore

Exquisite Fairy Wrasses feed on zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, offer frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and high-quality marine pellets. Multiple small feedings per day are recommended to maintain body condition and coloration.

Compatibility

reef-safepeacefulcommunity-safeplanktivoredisplay-fish

The Exquisite Fairy Wrasse is peaceful toward all tankmates and completely reef-safe. Males may spar with other fairy wrasse species, so keep only one Cirrhilabrus species per tank unless the aquarium is very large. Excellent community fish compatible with clownfish, tangs, gobies, and blennies.

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Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Exquisite Fairy Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites. The dominant female in a group will transform into a male. Males perform elaborate courtship displays at dusk, releasing pelagic eggs. Captive breeding has not been achieved due to the tiny larval size and specialized feeding requirements.