Koi Dwarf Parrotfish/Chinstrap Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes (peaceful and non-aggressive)
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes (reef-safe; does not harm invertebrates)
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes (does not harm corals)
• Minimum tank size: 200 liters (50 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 display increased coloration during courtship; best kept singly or in harems with one male and multiple females
Appearance and Coloration
The Chinstrap Fairy Wrasse is a vibrantly colored species with notable sexual dimorphism:
• Males: Display a brilliant yellow-orange head, transitioning into a blue-green body with a darker dorsal region. The caudal fin is a pale blue, and the dorsal fin is elongated and lined with red and blue streaks.
• Females: Less vivid in coloration, with a reddish-orange body and white undersides. Juveniles and females possess a small black caudal peduncle spot, which fades as they mature.
• Courtship Display: Males intensify their coloration and flash their fins rapidly to attract females.
This species was formally described in 2021, previously grouped with Cirrhilabrus solorensis.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Native to the Eastern Indonesian region, Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus is commonly found in reef slopes and rubble zones, at depths of 5 to 20 meters (16 to 65 feet).
• Typically forms small social groups, with a dominant male overseeing multiple females.
• Prefers moderate to strong currents, often seen swimming above the substrate in plankton-rich waters.
• Non-aggressive and highly active, spending most of its time darting through the water column in search of food.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
• Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons (200 liters)
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 24°C – 27°C (75°F – 81°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
• Aquascaping:
• Ample live rock structures for hiding and resting.
• Open swimming areas to accommodate their active nature.
• Sand substrate preferred, though not required.
• Lighting: Moderate to high, mimicking natural reef conditions.
• Water Movement: Moderate to strong, replicating plankton-rich reef environments.
Important Note:
• A secure lid is required as Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus is prone to jumping, especially when startled.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, the Chinstrap Fairy Wrasse is a planktivore, primarily consuming zooplankton and tiny invertebrates. In captivity, they readily adapt to prepared foods.
• Natural Diet: Zooplankton, copepods, and other tiny marine invertebrates.
• Captive Diet:
• Enriched frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.
• High-quality marine pellets and flakes.
• Small live foods (copepods, amphipods) can enhance feeding response.
Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily to maintain energy levels and vibrant coloration.
Compatibility and Social Structure
• Temperament:
• One of the most peaceful fairy wrasses, ideal for community reef tanks.
• Best kept singly or in male-female harems.
• Multiple males may show aggression unless kept in a large system.
• Tank Mates:
• Compatible with other peaceful to semi-aggressive species, including:
• Tangs
• Large angelfish
• Gobies
• Blennies
• Other fairy wrasses (if introduced properly)
• Avoid housing with aggressive fish such as large dottybacks or overly territorial wrasses.
• Reef Compatibility: ✅ 100% reef-safe—does not harm corals, clams, or invertebrates.
Important Considerations
• Jumping Behavior: Highly prone to leaping out of open tanks—a tight-fitting lid is required.
• Social Hierarchy: Best kept in harems, where a dominant male will display courtship colors to females.
• Lighting Adaptation: Can take time to adjust to bright reef lighting, especially when newly introduced.
• Peaceful Nature: Unlike some wrasses, Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus does not bury itself in sand at night but instead finds a safe crevice.