Walindi Fairy Wrasse

The Walindi Fairy Wrasse is an exceptionally rare and visually stunning species endemic to the waters around Papua New Guinea, particularly the renowned Kimbe Bay region from which it takes its common name. Males display a remarkable color pattern featuring a deep magenta to reddish-purple body with contrasting yellow ventral regions and intricate blue and violet markings on the face and fins. The dorsal fin may exhibit a distinctive shape and vivid coloration during display, making this species one of the most visually dramatic fairy wrasses available. Females display the typical subdued pinkish tones common across the Cirrhilabrus genus.

In the wild, Cirrhilabrus walindi inhabits deep reef slopes and rubble zones in Papua New Guinea, typically at depths of 25 to 50 meters or more. Its extremely limited geographic range, centered on the Kimbe Bay area and surrounding PNG waters, makes it one of the most geographically restricted fairy wrasse species. Collection from these remote deepwater habitats requires specialized equipment and expertise, contributing to the species' extreme rarity and high cost in the aquarium trade. It is considered one of the holy grail species for serious fairy wrasse collectors.

Keeping the Walindi Fairy Wrasse requires expert-level care and dedication. As a deepwater species from a narrow geographic range, it demands pristine, stable water conditions and may be initially sensitive to bright aquarium lighting. A gradual acclimation to lighting levels is recommended, along with shaded retreat areas in the aquascape. The minimum 55-gallon tank should offer both open swimming space and sheltered zones. Multiple small feedings throughout the day are essential, and newly imported specimens may require live foods to begin feeding. Given its extraordinary rarity and value, this species should only be attempted by experienced aquarists with mature, stable reef systems.