Whipfin Fairy Wrasse
A fairy wrasse in red and violet, the males carrying a single greatly extended dorsal filament that trails behind them in display.
Feeding
Planktivore. Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and fine marine pellets, twice daily.
Compatibility
Reef safe and peaceful. Best as one male with several females. Can be bullied by aggressive wrasses such as the six line.
Behaviour and personality
Swims constantly above the rockwork. Males flash intense display colour, most often in the late afternoon.
Before you buy
A sealed lid is essential, as fairy wrasses are committed jumpers. They do not bury in sand, so no deep sand bed is required.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Fairy Wrasse |
| Gender | Male (displaying), females available |
| Feeding Type | Planktivore |
| Compatibility | Reef safe, peaceful, avoid aggressive wrasses |
| Activity Pattern | Constantly swims above rockwork |
| Display Behavior | Intense color flash, especially in late afternoon |
| Enclosure Requirement | Sealed lid required; no deep sand bed needed |
FAQ
What kind of food does the Whipfin Fairy Wrasse eat?
The Whipfin Fairy Wrasse is planktivorous and should be fed frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and fine marine pellets twice daily.
Is the Whipfin Fairy Wrasse safe to keep in a reef tank?
Yes, the Whipfin Fairy Wrasse is reef safe and generally peaceful. It is best kept with several females and one male, but avoid aggressive wrasse species like the six line.
Does the Whipfin Fairy Wrasse need a deep sand bed?
No, the Whipfin Fairy Wrasse does not bury in sand and does not require a deep sand bed. A sealed lid is essential due to its jumping behavior.
Mary White –
The fish is vibrant and active. It swims constantly near the surface and flashes its colors beautifully in the afternoon. I kept it with two females and one male, and they get along well. The tank lid is a must—without it, the fish jumps out frequently.
Dominic Sutherland –
Great addition to a reef tank. The male shows off its red and violet colors when it’s time to display. Feeding is simple with mysis and brine shrimp. Just make sure the tank has a tight lid to prevent escapes.
Sophie Welch –
I’ve had this wrasse for three months now. It’s very peaceful and doesn’t bother other fish. The display behavior is impressive, especially during the late afternoon. Easy to care for and fits well in a coral-rich tank.