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Darwin's Glow Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cf. rubripinnis (Darwin's Glow — regional Australian form))

Darwin's Glow Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus cf. rubripinnis (Darwin's Glow — regional Australian form)
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
Northern Australia (Darwin region)
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Mysis, Brine shrimp, Small marine pellets, Frozen plankton blends

Overview

Darwin's Glow Fairy Wrasse is a striking Australian native fairy wrasse with an intense red-to-orange body that seems to glow under reef lighting, collected specifically from waters around the Northern Territory. It's a premium, sought-after fairy wrasse for keepers wanting a genuinely eye-catching centrepiece with Australian provenance.

It shares the general hardiness and peaceful temperament typical of fairy wrasses, generally settling well into a reef tank and adding constant colour and movement to the display.

As with most fairy wrasses, males intensify their colour during courtship or territorial displays, giving keepers an extra dimension of behaviour to observe alongside its already vivid resting colouration.

Compatibility

Darwin's Glow 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

Why is this called Darwin's Glow Fairy Wrasse?
It's collected from waters around Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory and named for its intense, glowing red-orange colouration.
Can I keep multiple Darwin's Glow 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 Darwin's Glow Fairy Wrasse reef safe?
Yes, fully reef safe with corals and invertebrates.
Will this wrasse jump out of my tank?
It can, especially if startled, so a secure, gap-free lid is important.
What tank size suits Darwin's Glow Fairy Wrasse?
300 litres is a reasonable minimum, with more room helpful if keeping a small group.

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.