Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse – Cirrhilabrus naokoae

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 9/18 - Release Date: 10/8
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus naokoae) is a small and exceptionally colorful reef wrasse known for the dramatic coloration of adult males. The fish pictured displays the characteristic combination of a brilliant red upper body, broad yellow lateral stripe, contrasting pale lower body, and predominantly dark fins. Males are also distinguished by an unusually tall anterior portion of the dorsal fin and broad, elongated pelvic fins. These characteristics are consistent with the original scientific description summarized by FishBase. FishBase

Cirrhilabrus naokoae is an Indonesian species known from the eastern Indian Ocean. The type specimens entered the scientific record through the aquarium trade and were believed to have originated near Medan on the northwestern coast of Sumatra. FishBase records the species as native to Indonesia. FishBase

In its natural environment, Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse is associated with tropical reefs and is typically recorded at depths of approximately 10–20 meters (33–66 feet). Like other members of Cirrhilabrus, it is an active swimmer that spends much of its time above and around reef structure rather than burying itself in sand. FishBase

Despite its spectacular appearance, this is a relatively small wrasse. FishBase records a maximum of only 6 cm standard length, approximately 2.4 inches. Its combination of compact adult size, active swimming behavior, and brilliant coloration makes it especially well suited to established reef aquariums where peaceful tankmates and ample swimming space can be provided. FishBase

This specimen is from Indonesia and is offered as one of Dr. Mac’s Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus naokoae Randall & Tanaka, 2009
Common Name: Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Origin: Indonesia
Availability: Wild Collected – Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Generally peaceful; may be territorial toward similar wrasses
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 2.4 inches (6 cm standard length) FishBase
Diet: Carnivore / zooplankton-oriented feeder
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide an established aquarium with substantial rockwork for shelter along with plenty of unobstructed swimming space. Despite its small adult size, this is an active fish and benefits from room to move naturally around the reef structure.

Temperament: Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse is generally appropriate for a peaceful reef community. Care should be taken when combining fairy wrasses, particularly males or similarly colored species, because territorial interactions can occur.

Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible. Cirrhilabrus fairy wrasses are suited to coral aquariums and do not require a sand bed for sleeping.

Diet and Feeding: Provide a varied selection of appropriately sized meaty marine foods. Good choices include mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods, and small high-quality marine pellets. Because fairy wrasses are active fishes with relatively small stomachs, multiple modest feedings can be beneficial.

Sand Bed: A deep sand bed is not required. Unlike Halichoeres and other sand-burying wrasses, fairy wrasses seek shelter among reef structure rather than burying themselves to sleep.

Aquarium Cover: A secure, tight-fitting cover is strongly recommended. Fairy wrasses can jump when startled, chased, or adjusting to a new aquarium.

Natural Habitat: FishBase records C. naokoae as a reef-associated tropical species usually occurring at approximately 10–20 meters in Indonesia.