Marjorie Fairy Wrasse

The Marjorie Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus marjorie) is a small reef-safe fairy wrasse from Fiji with a clean ivory base color and a strong red band across the upper body. In mature coloration, the tail often shows yellow with darker edging, giving it a clear two-tone look as it moves through open water and around rockwork.

What You’ll Observe:

• Daytime cruising in the mid-water, with quick laps between rock edges and open lanes
• Short “display” moments where the fins flare and colors look sharper at certain angles
• A consistent routine of checking the same swim path and then looping back to cover
• Fast response at feeding time, especially once it learns where food enters the tank

Provide a mature reef with plenty of rock structure (for retreat points) and open swimming room (for daily laps). Offer a varied mix of small meaty frozen foods plus quality pellets so it can take multiple bite-sized meals across the day. A snug cover/top helps this species stay settled and active in the water column.

Do males and females look very different?
Females are usually simpler pink/orange tones, while males develop higher-contrast patterns and fin edging. It’s normal for coloration to intensify over time as the fish settles in.

Can this wrasse be kept in a bare-bottom aquarium?
Many fairy wrasses rest by wedging into rockwork or sheltered crevices rather than burying in sand. As long as there are calm, protected spots in the rock structure, bare-bottom setups can work well.

Why does it look “washed out” sometimes and then color up later?
Color can shift with mood, social context, and lighting spectrum. Many keepers notice stronger contrast after the fish establishes a routine and becomes more confident in its surroundings.

Will it spend most of its time hiding if the tank is bright?
Fairy wrasses commonly spend more time in the open when they have shaded zones and overhangs to duck into. A mix of bright areas and dimmer rockwork pockets usually leads to more consistent viewing.

What’s the smoothest way to introduce it when other wrasses are already established?
Using an acclimation box for a few days helps everyone adjust to the new arrival without constant interaction. Introducing it with plenty of “line-of-sight breaks” (arches, bommies, and overhangs) also helps it settle into a stable swim route.

Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.