| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 90 gallons |
| Max Size | 4 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2" or smaller - Indo-Pacific |
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| In Stock | 2 - 3" - Indo-Pacific |
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| Only 9 left | 2 - 3" - Male - Indo-Pacific |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
The Red Fin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubripinnis) is a reef-safe fairy wrasse with an orange-to-reddish body and bold red fins that can show subtle contrasting edging as it settles in. Adult males top out around 4 inches and spend most of the day in open water, weaving through rockwork between swim laps.
What You’ll Observe:
- Midwater cruising with quick, smooth turns around the rock structure, especially during feeding time
- Short “display bursts” where the dorsal and anal fins extend and color intensity increases
- A consistent home base area in the aquascape, with regular loops out into open water
- Confident midwater feeding, snapping up small meaty foods before they reach the bottom
To help it thrive, provide a 90-gallon (or larger) aquarium with plenty of live rock, open swimming lanes, and a few shaded overhangs. Offer enriched mysis, brine, and other small meaty foods along with quality pellets in multiple small feedings daily. If you’re planning a small group, introduce females first and then a single male to encourage natural social behavior.
Does this wrasse need a sand bed to sleep?
Most fairy wrasses in Cirrhilabrus typically settle into the rockwork at night instead of diving into sand. A few narrow crevices and ledges give it a consistent “lights-out” resting spot.
How long until it starts swimming in the open after introduction?
It’s common for a new fairy wrasse to spend the first few days staying close to the rockwork. Once it learns the feeding routine and tank traffic, it usually becomes a frequent midwater swimmer.
What does “flashing” look like, and when will I see it?
Flashing is a short display where the fish raises its fins and briefly boosts color intensity. You’ll often notice it around feeding time or later in the day when it’s comfortable in the tank.
Can it change from female to male in captivity?
Yes like many fairy wrasses, social structure influences which fish develops the strongest male coloration over time. Keeping a single male per group helps the hierarchy stay stable.
How tight does the lid need to be?
Plan for a cover that blocks even small openings around overflows, feeding ports, and back chambers. Many keepers use mesh or custom-cut panels so feeding and maintenance can happen without leaving gaps.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
