Orange Back Fairy Wrasse Male

The Orange Back Fairy Wrasse, also known as the Orange-Backed Fairy Wrasse, is a beautiful and colorful saltwater fish that can be a great addition to any aquarium. This fish is especially popular among hobbyists due to its vibrant orange coloration and peaceful nature. In this care guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to keep your Orange Back Fairy Wrasse male healthy and happy in your aquarium.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

The Orange Back Fairy Wrasse is found in the Western Pacific region, ranging from Indonesia to the Solomon Islands. This fish prefers a well-established reef environment with plenty of hiding places, live rock, and coral. A tank size of at least 50 gallons is recommended, as these fish can grow up to 4 inches in length.

Water parameters should be kept stable, with a temperature range of 75-82°F, a pH between 8.1-8.4, and a salinity of 1.023-1.025. Proper filtration and regular water changes are also essential for the health of your fish.

Diet

The Orange Back Fairy Wrasse is a carnivorous fish and requires a varied diet of high-quality frozen or live foods. These fish primarily feed on small crustaceans and worms found in the sand or rock crevices. A diet consisting of brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped squid or shrimp is ideal for Orange Back Fairy Wrasse.

Behavior and Tank Mates

The Orange Back Fairy Wrasse is a peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful fish and invertebrates. However, it's important to avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial fish, as they may become stressed or injured. These fish are active swimmers and require plenty of open swimming space, as well as live rock and coral for hiding places. They may also burrow in the sand, so it's essential to have a substrate that's suitable for digging.

Breeding

The Orange Back Fairy Wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite, which means that they start out as females and can later change into males. If you're interested in breeding these fish, it's important to provide a peaceful environment and plenty of hiding places for the female to lay her eggs.

Once the eggs are laid, the male will fertilize them and guard the nest until they hatch. The fry can be fed a diet of rotifers and small crustaceans until they are large enough to eat adult food.

Conclusion

The Orange Back Fairy Wrasse male can be a peaceful and beautiful addition to any reef aquarium. By providing a peaceful environment, a varied diet, and suitable tank mates, you can ensure that your Orange Back Fairy Wrasse male is healthy and happy in your aquarium. Keep an eye on water parameters and provide regular care to keep your fish thriving. With patience and dedication, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of this unique fish in your aquarium.