Scott's Fairy Wrasse

Scott's Fairy Wrasse is a vibrantly colored and highly variable fairy wrasse species found across the Pacific Ocean. Males display a remarkable palette of colors that can include deep greens, vivid blues, reds, oranges, and purples, with the exact coloration varying significantly by geographic origin. Australian specimens tend to show more green and blue tones, while Fijian and Cook Island variants often display more red and pink hues. Regardless of origin, all male Scott's Fairy Wrasses are strikingly beautiful with iridescent scales that catch the light as they swim. Females are a more understated pinkish-lavender with subtle fin accents.

In the wild, Cirrhilabrus scottorum is found across a broad range of the Pacific, from the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea eastward to the Cook Islands and Pitcairn Islands. It inhabits the outer edges of coral reefs and rubble slopes at depths of 6 to 30 meters, where males maintain small territories with harems of females. Like other fairy wrasses, males perform courtship displays involving color intensification and fin flaring, particularly in the late afternoon hours.

Scott's Fairy Wrasse is an intermediate-level species that is well-suited to reef aquarium life. It is hardy, adaptable, and accepts prepared foods readily, making it one of the more accessible fairy wrasses for hobbyists. It is completely reef-safe and will not bother corals or invertebrates. A minimum tank size of 55 gallons is recommended, with a tight-fitting lid being absolutely essential to prevent jumping. The species thrives with moderate water flow and open swimming space, and can be kept singly, in pairs, or in a small harem in larger aquariums. Its brilliant coloration, active swimming behavior, and peaceful temperament make it a superb choice for any reef community.