Rose-Band Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus roseafascia)
• 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: 265 litres (70 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 12.7 cm (5 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small meaty foods
• Be aware of: Prone to jumping (requires a tight-fitting lid); males exhibit vibrant colouration; best kept singly or in harems with one male and multiple females
Appearance and Colouration
The Rose-Band Fairy Wrasse is a visually striking species exhibiting notable sexual dimorphism:
• Males: Display a vibrant pinkish-red body with a pale pink underside. The dorsal and anal fins are yellow with magenta rays, and a large purple spot is present on the rear of the pelvic fin.
• Females and Juveniles: Have a pale red body with a red band running from the eye along the upper side, enclosing a series of small white spots. A curved narrow red band crosses the upper cheek and the pectoral-fin base. Juveniles are dark red with three white lines along the body, a white spot on the tip of the snout, and a black spot on the upper part of the caudal peduncle.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Cirrhilabrus roseafascia is native to the western Pacific Ocean, particularly around New Caledonia and the Coral Sea. They inhabit deep coral reefs, typically at depths ranging from 30 to 90 metres (98 to 295 feet).
• Social Structure: Often found in small groups, with a dominant male overseeing several females and juveniles.
• Activity: Diurnal and active swimmers, spending most of their time mid-water, foraging for planktonic prey.
• Behaviour: Peaceful and non-aggressive, making them an excellent addition to community aquariums.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
• Minimum Tank Size: 265 litres (70 gallons)
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 23°C – 27°C (74°F – 81°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
• Aquascaping:
• Provide ample live rock formations to create hiding spots and replicate their natural reef environment.
• Ensure open swimming spaces to accommodate their active nature.
• Lighting: Moderate to high, mimicking natural reef conditions.
• Water Movement: Moderate to strong, reflecting their natural habitat.
Important Note: A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential, as Cirrhilabrus roseafascia are known jumpers, especially when startled.
Diet and Feeding
In their natural environment, Rose-Band 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.
• Courtship Displays: Males exhibit vibrant colouration and fin flaring displays during courtship, adding visual interest to the aquarium.