Exquisite Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus exquisitus)

The Exquisite Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus exquisitus) is truly deserving of its name — males in display mode exhibit a dazzling palette of vivid greens, reds, and yellows with bright neon highlights that shift and intensify as the fish moves through the aquarium. It is one of the most widely distributed Cirrhilabrus species across the Indo-Pacific and is considered among the more adaptable fairy wrasses for aquarium care. Thrives in haremic social groups of one dominant male and multiple females, with the most vibrant coloration displayed during courtship and feeding interactions. An active, peaceful addition to reef tanks with ample swimming space and live rock.

Maintain in a reef or FOWLR aquarium of at least 150 liters with a secure lid — fairy wrasses are agile jumpers. Keep as a harem of one male and two or more females; avoid multiple males per tank. Feed twice daily with frozen mysis, cyclopeeze, and enriched brine shrimp. Generally reef-safe with corals and larger invertebrates; peaceful toward dissimilar fish.