Earl’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus earlei)
• 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: 200 litres (50 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 7 cm (2.8 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small meaty foods
• Be aware of: Prone to jumping (requires a tight-fitting lid); males display increased coloration during courtship; best kept singly or in harems with one male and multiple females
Appearance and Colouration
The Earl’s Fairy Wrasse is renowned for its vibrant and striking appearance, exhibiting notable sexual dimorphism:
• Males: Feature a predominantly pinkish-violet body adorned with thin, horizontal, dark purple stripes. The operculum showcases an orange spot, while a red band extends between the eyes and continues along the back. The head is a deeper shade of violet compared to the rest of the body.
• Females: Generally exhibit more subdued colouration, with less pronounced markings compared to males.
During courtship, males intensify their colours, displaying vibrant hues to attract females.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Cirrhilabrus earlei is native to the coral reefs of Palau in the western Pacific Ocean. They inhabit areas with sandy and rubble substrates at depths ranging from 55 to 92 metres (180 to 302 feet). Due to their deep-water habitat, they are less commonly encountered than other wrasse species.
• Social Structure: Typically found in small groups, with a dominant male overseeing several females.
• Activity: Diurnal and active swimmers, spending much of their time mid-water searching for food.
• Behaviour: Peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable for community aquariums.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
• Minimum Tank Size: 200 litres (50 gallons)
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 24°C – 27°C (75°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 mimic natural reef structures.
• Ensure open swimming spaces to accommodate their active nature.
• Lighting: Moderate to high, replicating natural reef conditions.
• Water Movement: Moderate to strong, simulating their natural habitat.
Important Note: A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential, as Cirrhilabrus earlei are known jumpers, especially when startled.
Diet and Feeding
In their natural environment, Earl’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.
• Behavioural Displays: Males exhibit vibrant displays during courtship, enhancing the visual appeal of the aquarium.