Pyle’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus pylei)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes (peaceful and non-aggressive)
• Small invertebrate safe: ✅ Yes (reef-safe; does not harm invertebrates)
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes (does not harm corals)
• Minimum tank size: 340 litres (90 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 9 cm (3.5 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small meaty foods
• Be aware of: Prone to jumping (requires a tight-fitting lid); males may lose colouration without the presence of females; best kept singly or in harems with one male and multiple females
Appearance and Colouration
The Pyle’s Fairy Wrasse is a visually striking species exhibiting notable sexual dimorphism:
• Males: Display a variable colouration ranging from beige to fulvous orange, with a heavily striated face featuring fine lines that break into spots near the operculum. The body is finely punctuated with minuscule, unobtrusive spots.
• Females and Juveniles: Generally exhibit a more subdued colouration, with a peach to salmon body and less pronounced markings.
During courtship, males intensify their colours, showcasing vibrant displays to attract females.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Cirrhilabrus pylei is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, specifically found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. They inhabit coral-rich areas and rubble zones at depths ranging from 76 to 82 metres (250 to 270 feet).
• Social Structure: Typically found in small groups, with a dominant male overseeing several females and juveniles.
• Activity: Diurnal and active swimmers, often seen mid-water foraging for planktonic prey.
• Behaviour: Peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable for community aquariums.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
• Minimum Tank Size: 340 litres (90 gallons)
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 24°C – 27°C (75°F – 81°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
• Aquascaping:
• Incorporate ample live rock formations to create hiding spots and replicate natural reef structures.
• Ensure open swimming spaces to accommodate their active nature.
• Lighting: Moderate to high, simulating natural reef conditions.
• Water Movement: Moderate to strong, reflecting their natural habitat.
Important Note: A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential, as Cirrhilabrus pylei are known to jump, especially when startled.
Diet and Feeding
In their natural environment, Pyle’s Fairy Wrasses primarily feed on zooplankton. In captivity, they adapt well to a variety of meaty foods.
• Captive Diet:
• Offer vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.
• Provide high-quality marine flake and pellet foods.
• Supplement with live foods such as copepods and amphipods to encourage natural foraging behaviours.
Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily to maintain health and vibrant colouration.
Compatibility and Social Structure
• Temperament:
• Generally peaceful and suitable for community aquariums.
• Males may display increased colouration and fin displays during courtship.
• Tank Mates:
• Compatible with other non-aggressive species such as gobies, blennies, and dwarf angelfish.
• Avoid housing with aggressive or significantly larger species that may intimidate or outcompete them.
• Social Structure:
• Best kept singly or in harems with one male and multiple females.
• Introducing multiple males in the same tank can lead to aggression unless the aquarium is sufficiently large.
Important Considerations
• Jumping Behaviour: Ensure the aquarium has a secure lid, as these wrasses are prone to leaping out of tanks.
• Acclimation: Introduce them to well-established aquariums with stable water parameters to reduce stress.
• Colouration Maintenance: Males may lose vibrancy without the presence of females; maintaining a harem can help preserve their striking colours.