The Laboute’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus laboutei) is a vibrant and peaceful marine fish, highly sought after by aquarists for its striking coloration and active demeanor.
Key Information
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 340 liters (90 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 12 cm (4.7 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and plankton.
• Be aware of: Known to jump, so a secure lid is essential; requires a well-established tank with ample hiding spots; may become territorial with similar species.
Appearance and Coloration
Laboute’s Fairy Wrasse is renowned for its dazzling colors:
• Body Color: A blend of red, orange, and pink hues with horizontal blue stripes running along the sides.
• Fins: The dorsal and anal fins are adorned with vibrant blue and yellow markings, while the caudal fin displays a mix of blue and purple tones.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males exhibit more intense coloration compared to females, especially during courtship displays.
These vivid colors make it a standout addition to marine aquariums.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
In the wild, Laboute’s Fairy Wrasse inhabits coral reefs in regions such as New Caledonia and Australia, typically found at depths ranging from 7 to 40 meters. They are often observed swimming above the reef in small groups, displaying their vibrant colors. Known for their peaceful nature, they coexist well with a variety of reef inhabitants.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
To ensure the well-being of Laboute’s Fairy Wrasse in captivity:
• Minimum Tank Size: A 90-gallon (340 liters) aquarium is recommended to provide ample space.
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 24°C – 27°C (75°F – 81°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of live rock to create hiding spots and territories, mimicking their natural reef habitat.
• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting is suitable.
• Water Movement: Moderate flow to simulate their natural environment.
Maintaining stable water conditions and high water quality is crucial for their health. A mature, well-established aquarium will support their natural behaviors and provide necessary shelter.
Diet and Feeding
Laboute’s Fairy Wrasses are carnivorous and adapt well to captive diets:
• Diet: Offer a varied diet consisting of:
• Vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp
• Vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp
• Other meaty foods
• High-quality marine flake and pellet food
Feeding small amounts multiple times a day can help maintain their energy levels and vibrant coloration.
Compatibility and Social Structure
Laboute’s Fairy Wrasses are generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards similar species:
• Social Structure: Best kept singly or in a male-female pair unless in a very large aquarium where multiple individuals can establish territories.
• Temperament: May act aggressively towards other fairy wrasses or similar-shaped fish, especially if inadequately fed or if the habitat lacks hiding places.
• Compatible Tank Mates: Suitable companions include peaceful community fish such as gobies, blennies, and other non-aggressive wrasses. Caution is advised when housing with other wrasses or species with similar coloration.
Observing their interactions and providing ample space can help mitigate aggressive behaviors. Due to their territorial nature, they should be housed with non-aggressive tank mates to prevent stress.
Important Considerations
• Reef Compatibility: Considered reef-safe, they should leave corals and other beneficial invertebrates alone.
• Acclimation: They may be shy upon introduction but typically become more confident over time.
• Health: Ensure a varied diet and stable water conditions to prevent common health issues.
• Jumping Behavior: Known to be jumpers, so a covered aquarium is essential to prevent escape.
With proper care and attention to their specific needs, Laboute’s Fairy Wrasses can be a vibrant and beneficial addition to a marine aquarium.