IntermediatePeacefulReef Safe

Naoko's Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus naokoae

Family: Labridae · Fairy & Flasher Wrasses

Also known as: Naoko Fairy Wrasse, Naokoae Wrasse

Max Size

Min Tank

30 gal

Lifespan

5-7 years

Origin

Indonesia, Sulawesi

Diet

Planktivore

Swims

Middle

About

Naoko's Fairy Wrasse is a relatively recently described species that has quickly gained a following among fairy wrasse enthusiasts for its delicate beauty and manageable size. Males display an attractive combination of red, orange, and purple hues with a distinctive color pattern that includes a bright red dorsal area and purple-blue lower body. Females are more simply colored with a rosy pink body and pale belly.

This small species reaches only about three inches, making it an excellent choice for moderately sized reef aquariums. Its compact dimensions and peaceful nature allow it to be housed in tanks as small as 30 gallons, broadening its appeal to hobbyists with smaller systems. Despite its diminutive size, males are active displayers that will flash their colors regularly.

Naoko's Fairy Wrasse is completely reef-safe and peaceful, posing no threat to corals, invertebrates, or other fish. It adapts reasonably well to captive conditions with proper acclimation and benefits from a mature reef environment with moderate flow and plenty of hiding spots. A tight-fitting lid is essential, and multiple daily feedings of planktonic foods will maintain health and coloration. This species is a wonderful choice for aquarists looking for a smaller, less common fairy wrasse.

Feeding & Diet

Planktivore

Naoko's Fairy Wrasses feed on zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, provide frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and small marine pellets. Feed multiple small portions throughout the day to maintain body condition and color.

Compatibility

reef-safepeacefulcommunity-safenano-compatibleplanktivore

Naoko's Fairy Wrasse is peaceful and completely reef-safe. It gets along well with all community reef fish and poses no threat to corals or invertebrates. Males may display competitively toward other Cirrhilabrus species but rarely cause harm. Best kept as the sole fairy wrasse species in smaller tanks.

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Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Naoko's Fairy Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites. Males perform courtship displays at dusk before spawning. Pelagic eggs are released into the water column. Captive breeding has not been achieved for this recently described species.