Blue Throat Sailfin Fairy Wrasse

The Blue Throat Sailfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanogularis) is a reef-safe Cirrhilabrus wrasse known for an orange-to-red body and a distinct blue throat patch that becomes most noticeable as males mature. It’s commonly sold as a “sailfin” fairy wrasse due to its tall dorsal fin and display-focused swimming style.

What You’ll Observe:

• Active cruising through open water with frequent short “patrol” laps around the rockwork
• Fin-fanning and quick color shifts during social moments, especially near dusk
• Regular stops to hover and investigate ledges, caves, and shaded overhangs
• Confident feeding response once it recognizes your routine

For best results, provide a reef tank with open swimming room plus plenty of rockwork breaks and caves. Offer a variety of small meaty frozen foods along with quality pellets in multiple small feedings each day. A tight-fitting lid or mesh top helps keep this wrasse comfortable and secure in an active aquarium.

Will the blue throat color increase as it matures?
In many cases, the blue throat becomes more defined as the fish grows and settles in, especially as a male develops stronger display coloration. Day-to-day intensity can change with lighting, time of day, and social activity.

Does this species need sand to sleep?
Fairy wrasses typically rest by wedging into rock crevices or sheltered areas rather than burying in sand. A rockscape with multiple calm “sleeping pockets” usually matters more than sand depth.

Why does it “flash” and flare its fins in the evening?
This is a common display behavior in Cirrhilabrus, often tied to settling into a nighttime routine or responding to nearby tankmates. It’s frequently most noticeable in the hour before lights-out.

What’s the best way to add one to a tank that already has other wrasses?
Many hobbyists get the smoothest results by adding it later in the stocking plan and making sure the rockwork has multiple sight-line breaks. Re-arranging a small section of rock can also help the tank feel “new” to everyone at introduction.

Is an acclimation box useful for introducing a Sailfin Fairy Wrasse?
An acclimation box can help existing fish adjust to the newcomer’s presence while the wrasse learns the feeding rhythm and explores safely. It’s often used for a few days to a week depending on how social the tank is.

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