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Yellow Fin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis)

Yellow Fin Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis
Family
Wrasse / Labridae (Fairy Wrasse)
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Reef safe
Reef safe
Max size
8 cm
Min tank
300 L · 79 gal
Origin
Western Pacific
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Mysis, Brine shrimp, Small marine pellets, Frozen plankton blends

Overview

The Yellow Fin Fairy Wrasse is a delicately coloured fairy wrasse with a pale pink-to-lavender body accented by a bright yellow dorsal fin, males intensifying their colouration during courtship or territorial displays. It shares the general hardiness and peaceful temperament typical of fairy wrasses, generally settling well into a reef tank.

It adds constant colour and movement to the middle and upper water column, and its manageable adult size makes it a great fit for a wide range of reef tank sizes without adding aggression risk.

As with most fairy wrasses, males display their brightest colours during courtship or rival encounters, adding an extra dimension of behaviour to observe.

Compatibility

Yellow Fin 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 Yellow Fin 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 Yellow Fin 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 the Yellow Fin 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.