Girdled Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus balteatus)

 

• 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: 170 litres (45 gallons)

• Adult size: Up to 10 cm (4 inches)

• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small meaty foods

• Be aware of: Prone to jumping (requires a tight-fitting lid); males display increased colouration during courtship; best kept singly or in harems with one male and multiple females

 

Appearance and Colouration

The Girdled Fairy Wrasse exhibits notable sexual dimorphism:

• Males: Feature a body colour ranging from purple to pink or greenish-yellow, with a distinctive girdle-like band behind the head. 

• Females and Juveniles: Generally display a drab reddish-pink hue with a white belly. 

During courtship, males intensify their colours to attract females.

 

Natural Habitat and Behaviour

Cirrhilabrus balteatus is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, specifically the Marshall Islands. They inhabit shallow lagoons and seaward reefs where rubble collects, at depths between 8 to 25 metres (25 to 85 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: 170 litres (45 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 balteatus are known to jump, especially when startled.

 

Diet and Feeding

In their natural environment, Girdled 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.