Lineatus Fairy Wrasse

Lineatus Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus lineatus) Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Colour Form: Red, Pink, Yellow, Blue, Purple Diet: Carnivore Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 24-28°C, dKH 6-12, pH 7.8-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 Max Size: 11 cm Family: Labridae Minimum Tank Size: 250 Litres Overview The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus lineatus) is a breathtaking addition to any reef aquarium, celebrated for its vivid array of colours and graceful swimming style. Native to the coral reefs of the Western Pacific, this wrasse displays brilliant shades of red, pink, purple, and blue, which intensify under aquarium lighting. As one of the more popular fairy wrasses, it’s highly prized among reef hobbyists for its beauty and peaceful disposition. Behaviour and Habitat In the wild, the Lineatus Fairy Wrasse inhabits coral-rich areas with ample rockwork and reef structures where it can seek shelter. In the aquarium, it remains active, swimming through open spaces and weaving around rock formations. It is generally peaceful, making it a great addition to community reef tanks. However, males can be territorial toward other male fairy wrasses, especially in smaller setups. These wrasses are known for their flashing behaviour, where males exhibit brighter colours to attract females or establish dominance. They appreciate live rock for hiding spaces and may display their vibrant colours more prominently in tanks with subdued or indirect lighting. Tank Requirements The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse requires a well-established tank of at least 250 litres with plenty of live rock to mimic its natural reef habitat. These wrasses are active swimmers and enjoy open space, so a larger tank with an open swimming area is ideal. As jumpers, they also require a tight-fitting lid to prevent escapes. Lineatus Fairy Wrasses are reef-safe, posing no threat to corals or invertebrates. They thrive in stable water conditions and may benefit from moderate to high water flow, which simulates their natural reef environment. Diet As carnivores, Lineatus Fairy Wrasses enjoy a diet rich in meaty foods. Ideal food options include mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality frozen foods designed for marine carnivores. Many will also accept pellet or flake foods after acclimation. Feeding 2-3 times per day will help keep them healthy and vibrant. A varied diet with protein-rich foods will help these wrasses maintain their coloration and overall health. Care TipsLineatus Fairy Wrasses are moderately easy to care for but do best in mature tanks with stable parameters. They are reef-safe, making them ideal for mixed-reef aquariums. Multiple small feedings per day keep them active and engaged. Use a secure lid, as they are known to jump, especially if startled. Compatibility These wrasses are generally peaceful and do well with other non-aggressive fish, including tangs, angelfish, gobies, and blennies. They are compatible with other fairy wrasses as long as they’re not the same species or male, which can lead to territorial disputes. They may also become territorial with other wrasses if the tank is undersized or lacks sufficient rockwork. Avoid housing with overly aggressive fish, such as dottybacks or larger angelfish, as they may stress out the more passive Lineatus Fairy Wrasse. Final Thoughts The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse is a stunning, colourful choice for reef enthusiasts seeking an active yet peaceful fish. With its vivid colours and graceful swimming, it brings a lively element to the aquarium. While generally easy to care for, the Lineatus Fairy Wrasse thrives in mature, well-maintained tanks with ample hiding spaces and a secure cover to prevent jumping. Its peaceful nature and reef compatibility make it a fantastic choice for vibrant, community-focused reef setups.