Blackfin Fairy Wrasse

(Cirrhilabrus melanomarginatus)

Cirrhilabrus Wrasse are known as Fairy Wrasses and are some of the most beautiful of the marine fish. Males tend to be more colorful and a bit larger than the females. Fairy Wrasse are generally easy, peaceful and reef safe but may pick at small crustaceans. Harems can be kept in the aquarium with 1 male and several females if added at the same time. Provide an aquarium with ample rock work with plenty of crevices and caves for hiding and resting. A diet rich in meaty foods as well as algae based foods should be provided for continued health. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Fairy Wrasse are known to be jumpers provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Blackfin Fairy Wrasse is also known simply as the Blackfin Fairy Wrasse. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. Male Blackfin Fairy Wrasse have a dark body with white belly, red dorsal and anal fins that are trimmed in black. Females have an overall purple and a black spot its upper caudal peduncle. Blackfin Fairy Wrasse can grow up to almost 5".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 50 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium