Sunset Fairy Wrasse

The Sunset Fairy Wrasse is a breathtaking species that lives up to its evocative common name with a stunning palette of warm reds, oranges, and yellows that recall a tropical sunset over the ocean. Males are particularly spectacular, displaying deep crimson-red scales across the body that transition to golden-yellow on the belly and lower flanks, with fins edged in brilliant red and violet. During courtship displays, these colors intensify to an almost unbelievable degree, creating one of the most vivid visual spectacles in the marine aquarium hobby. Females are more modestly colored in soft pink and lavender tones.

In the wild, Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis is found primarily in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean, including the Maldives. It inhabits outer reef slopes and rubble areas at moderate to deeper depths, where males maintain harems of several females. The species is found at depths where lighting conditions create a deep blue backdrop that makes the warm coloration of displaying males appear even more dramatic. Like all fairy wrasses, spawning occurs at dusk with synchronized ascent and gamete release.

The Sunset Fairy Wrasse is a wonderful reef aquarium species that combines extraordinary beauty with a peaceful temperament. It is completely reef-safe and will not disturb corals or invertebrates. A minimum tank size of 55 gallons with a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is prone to jumping. Provide moderate flow and ample open swimming space in the upper portion of the tank. Multiple small feedings per day will help maintain the spectacular coloration that makes this species so desirable. Its peaceful nature makes it an ideal addition to mixed reef communities.