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Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus lubbocki)

Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus lubbocki
Family
Wrasse / Labridae (Fairy Wrasse)
Care level
Beginner
Temperament
Peaceful
Reef safe
Reef safe
Max size
8 cm
Min tank
250 L · 66 gal
Origin
Western Pacific (Philippines, Indonesia)
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Mysis, Brine shrimp, Small marine pellets, Frozen plankton blends

Overview

Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse is a compact, colourful fairy wrasse with a soft orange-to-pink body and fine blue highlights, considered one of the hardier and more affordable species within the Cirrhilabrus group. It's a popular introduction to fairy wrasses for keepers wanting reliable colour and peaceful temperament without stepping up to some of the more delicate or expensive species.

It tends to acclimate and feed confidently, making it a solid choice for both new and experienced reef keepers wanting a low-maintenance, attractive addition to the middle and upper water column.

As with other fairy wrasses, males display their brightest colours during courtship or territorial encounters, adding extra visual interest for keepers who provide the right social setup.

Compatibility

Lubbock's 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 is one of the hardier fairy wrasses available, generally acclimating and feeding well with minimal issues. A minimum four-week quarantine is still recommended good practice, and like most wrasses it's a capable jumper, so a secure lid is essential.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse a good first fairy wrasse?
Yes, it's one of the hardier and more affordable options in the group, making it a solid introduction to fairy wrasses.
Can I keep multiple Lubbock's 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 Lubbock's 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 Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse?
250 litres is a reasonable minimum given its compact adult size.

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.