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Coral Sea Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus sp. (Coral Sea regional form — species varies))

Coral Sea Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus sp. (Coral Sea regional form — species varies)
Family
Wrasse / Labridae (Fairy Wrasse)
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Reef safe
Reef safe
Max size
10 cm
Min tank
300 L · 79 gal
Origin
Coral Sea, Australia
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Mysis, Brine shrimp, Small marine pellets, Frozen plankton blends

Overview

The Coral Sea Fairy Wrasse is a vividly coloured fairy wrasse collected from Australia's Coral Sea region, typically displaying a mix of pink, purple, and yellow tones that shift and intensify with mood and lighting. Fairy wrasses as a group are popular for their combination of vibrant colour, peaceful temperament, and full reef compatibility.

It's a hardy, adaptable species once established, generally settling well into a reef tank and adding constant movement and colour to the middle and upper water column.

As with most fairy wrasses, males display their brightest colours during territorial or courtship displays, adding an extra layer of visual interest for keepers who provide the right social setup.

Compatibility

Coral Sea Fairy Wrasses are peaceful and fully reef safe, ignoring corals and invertebrates. They can be kept singly or, in a large enough tank, as one male with several females, though two males in a smaller system may show aggressive displays toward each other.

They mix well with other peaceful to semi-aggressive community fish and are rarely bullied given their alert, quick-swimming nature.

Health & quarantine

This species is generally hardy once acclimated, though like most wrasses it's a capable jumper, so a secure, gap-free lid is essential. A minimum four-week quarantine is recommended, and this species typically settles in and feeds well without major complications.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep multiple Coral Sea Fairy Wrasses together?
Yes, ideally one male with several females in a large enough tank — two males in a smaller system may show aggressive displays toward each other.
Is the Coral Sea Fairy Wrasse reef safe?
Yes, fully reef safe with corals and invertebrates.
Will a Coral Sea Fairy Wrasse jump out of my tank?
It can, especially if startled, so a secure, gap-free lid is important.
What tank size suits a Coral Sea Fairy Wrasse?
300 litres is a reasonable minimum, with more room helpful if keeping a small group.
Why does my Fairy Wrasse's colour change throughout the day?
Colour intensity often shifts with mood, lighting, and social displays, particularly in males during courtship or territorial encounters.

Care guidance is drawn from our own experience — every fish is an individual, so treat it as a starting point, not a guarantee. Not sure if a species suits your tank? Come ask us in store. New to the terms? Read the care-terms glossary.