Red Margin Fairy Wrasse Male

The Red Margin Fairy Wrasse, also known as the Cirrhilabrus rubrimarginatus, is a vibrant and colorful saltwater fish that can add a stunning focal point to any reef aquarium. These fish are known for their bright red and blue colors, as well as their active and playful behavior. In this care guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to keep your Red Margin Fairy Wrasse healthy and happy in your aquarium.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

The Red Margin Fairy Wrasse is found in the Western Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Philippines to the Solomon Islands. In the aquarium, these fish prefer a well-established reef environment with plenty of hiding places, live rock, and coral. A tank size of at least 30 gallons is recommended, as these fish are relatively small and do not need a large swimming space.

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

Red Margin Fairy Wrasse are carnivorous and require a varied diet of high-quality frozen or live foods. A diet consisting of brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped squid or shrimp is ideal. It's important to avoid overfeeding, as these fish are prone to obesity and other health issues. You should also avoid feeding them only one type of food as they need a varied diet.

Behavior and Tank Mates

The Red Margin Fairy Wrasse is an active and peaceful fish that can be housed with a variety of other peaceful tank mates. However, it's important to avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial fish, as they can become stressed and may not thrive in the aquarium.

It's also important to provide plenty of hiding places and live rock for these fish to explore and hide in. They are known for their ability to jump out of the tank, so a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent them from escaping.

Breeding

Breeding Red Margin Fairy Wrasse in the home aquarium is possible, but it can be challenging. It's important to have a healthy male and female pair, as well as the proper breeding setup. A breeding tank should be set up with plenty of hiding places, and the water should be kept at a temperature of 78-80°F.

Breeding usually occurs in the morning, with the male displaying his bright colors to the female. After spawning, the female will release her eggs, which can be fertilized by the male. The eggs will hatch in approximately 5-7 days, and the fry should be fed small amounts of rotifers and copepods until they are large enough to eat brine shrimp.

Conclusion

The Red Margin Fairy Wrasse is a beautiful and active fish that can make a great addition to any reef aquarium. By providing a peaceful environment, a varied diet, and proper tank mates, you can ensure that your Red Margin Fairy Wrasse is happy and healthy in your aquarium. Be sure to keep an eye on water parameters and provide regular care to keep your fish thriving for years to come.