Yellow-Flanked Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus ryukyuensis
Price range: $46.99 through $91.99
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
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| Only 6 left | 2 - 3" - Terminal Male - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $88.99.$46.99Current price is: $46.99. |
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| In Stock | 3 - 4" - Terminal Male - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $110.99.$58.99Current price is: $58.99. |
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| Only 5 left | 4" or larger - Terminal Male - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $174.99.$91.99Current price is: $91.99. |
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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 | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 3 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Yellow-Flanked Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus ryukyuensis) is an active mid-water wrasse with a yellow flank accent that becomes more pronounced as it matures. It’s a Western Pacific species that’s commonly kept as a reef-safe, open-swimming “movement fish” in mixed reef tanks.
What You’ll Observe:
- Short, frequent “patrol loops” through the open water, with quick dips into rockwork between passes
- Noticeable color shifts during the day, especially when interacting with other fish
- A consistent presence in the water column once settled, often coming to the front at feeding time
- Evening routine of selecting a favorite crevice in the rockwork to settle into overnight
Provide a covered aquarium and a rockwork layout with multiple overhangs and caves so it always has an easy retreat point. Offer small meaty foods (like mysis and finely chopped seafood) in a few smaller feedings to match its active metabolism. When keeping multiple fairy wrasses, introducing this one later and using an acclimation box often helps the group settle smoothly.
Do fairy wrasses really need a lid if the tank has a rim or canopy?
Most keepers treat “tight cover + sealed gaps” as standard, because fairy wrasses can launch through surprisingly small openings.
Will it stay in the open or disappear into the rocks for days?
Many settle in quickly, but it’s also common for a new fairy wrasse to spend short periods ducking into rockwork between swim loops until it learns your tank’s routine.
Does it sleep in the sand like some other wrasses?
Fairy wrasses typically choose a protected spot in the rockwork to bed down at night rather than burying in sand.
Can I keep more than one fairy wrasse long-term?
It often works best when you avoid adding very similar-looking fairy wrasses, introduce the most assertive fish later, and use an acclimation box during introductions.
If I buy a smaller one, can it change color over time?
Yes—many Cirrhilabrus develop stronger coloration with maturity and social context, and groups can shift as one fish becomes the dominant male.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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