Orange Back Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis
Price range: $58.99 through $62.99
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
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| In Stock | 2 - 3" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $110.99.$58.99Current price is: $58.99. |
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| Only 2 left | 3 - 4" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $119.99.$62.99Current price is: $62.99. |
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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.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 90 gallons |
| Max Size | 5 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Orange Back Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis) is a reef-safe fairy wrasse known for its bright orange dorsal area and a magenta-to-red stripe that runs from the face toward the tail. Native to northern Sulawesi (Tomini Bay region), it adds constant motion and color contrast to modern reef tanks.
What You’ll Observe:
- An active swimmer that spends most of the day weaving through open water and circling rockwork
- Short “flash” moments where color intensity ramps up, especially during interaction or feeding time
- A consistent routine of patrolling the mid-water and returning to familiar rock crevices to rest
- Fast, confident feeding behavior once it learns your schedule
- More visible, outgoing behavior after the first few days as it establishes a comfort zone
Provide a covered aquarium (mesh lids work well) and a rockscape with swim lanes plus a few shaded retreat spots. Offer small meaty foods multiple times per day (mysis, enriched brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality pellets) so it can graze throughout the day. If adding other wrasses, introducing them with a brief “see-but-not-touch” period (like an acclimation box) helps everyone settle in smoothly.
Will it hide for the first day or two after introduction?
Many do a quick “settle-in” period where they spend extra time in the rockwork, then become much more visible once they map the tank and learn your feeding routine.
Where does this wrasse sleep at night?
Most choose a consistent resting spot in the rockwork and return to it nightly; once comfortable, you’ll often see it emerge quickly when the lights come on.
Can it be kept with other fairy or flasher wrasses?
It often works well when other wrasses are added thoughtfully—spacing out introductions, using an acclimation box briefly, and keeping plenty of rockwork breaks helps reduce attention between similar-looking swimmers.
What foods usually get the strongest feeding response?
Small, meaty items (mysis, enriched brine, finely chopped shrimp/clam) tend to trigger a fast response, and many individuals transition readily to quality pellets once they recognize them as food.
Do I really need a lid if my tank has only small gaps?
A full-coverage lid is a strong best practice for active wrasses; even tiny openings can become exit points during sudden bursts of speed, so sealing gaps improves day-to-day peace of mind.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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