Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis with red and pink body coloration, pale underside and yellow-red dorsal fin
Native range map of Yellow Fin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis), highlighting its Western Central Pacific distribution across the Philippines, Sabah, Sulawesi, Bali, Timor-Leste, Raja Ampat and West Papua.
Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse – Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis
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SKU: WC OC0202

Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse – Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis

$89.99
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Size: 3 inches
The Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis) is a small Western Pacific reef wrasse known for its variable red, pink and yellow coloration. Reaching only about 2.6 inches, this peaceful, reef-compatible species makes an excellent addition to an established marine aquarium.
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Description and Care

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 10/2 - Release Date: 10/23
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 Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis) is a small, colorful reef wrasse from the Western Central Pacific. Originally described by Randall and Carpenter in 1980, this species belongs to the family Labridae and is one of the smaller members of the genus Cirrhilabrus. FishBase

Coloration in this species can be surprisingly variable. FishBase reports that males may range from red to pink or white, while the dorsal fin can vary from yellow to red or blue depending on the individual's condition and stage. The species name flavidorsalis refers to the bright yellow outer portion of the male's dorsal fin. FishBase

The Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse occurs naturally in the Western Central Pacific, with a documented distribution encompassing eastern Indonesia—from northeastern Kalimantan and Bali to West Papua—Sabah in Malaysia, and the Philippines. FishBase

In its natural environment, C. flavidorsalis inhabits protected coral and rubble slopes containing finely branching corals. FishBase records the species from approximately 6–40 meters (20–131 feet), with most observations between 6 and 28 meters. Rather than living strictly alone, these fairy wrasses may occur in aggregations. FishBase

This is an especially small fairy wrasse. The scientifically documented maximum total length is just 6.5 cm, or approximately 2.6 inches. FishBase

Its combination of small adult size, active swimming behavior and generally peaceful disposition makes the Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse an attractive choice for an established reef aquarium. Rockwork should provide secure retreats while leaving adequate open water for swimming.

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

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis Randall & Carpenter, 1980
Common Name: Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Availability: Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 2.6 inches / 6.5 cm total length FishBase
Diet: Carnivorous/planktivorous marine diet
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide an established aquarium with ample swimming room along with rockwork containing caves and sheltered retreats. In nature, this species is associated with protected coral and rubble slopes and finely branching corals. FishBase

Secure Cover: A tight-fitting lid or screen is strongly recommended. Fairy wrasses are active fishes capable of jumping, particularly when startled or during acclimation.

Diet and Feeding: Offer appropriately sized meaty marine foods such as copepods, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped mysis and high-quality prepared foods suitable for small planktivorous marine fishes. Because of its small size and active lifestyle, regular small feedings are preferable.

Temperament: Generally peaceful and suitable for a community reef aquarium. Some territorial behavior can occur with other fairy wrasses, particularly closely related or similarly colored individuals.

Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible. The Yellowfin Fairy Wrasse is not a coral-eating species and is particularly well suited to established reef systems that provide both open swimming space and protective reef structure.

Sand Bed: Unlike many Halichoeres wrasses, Cirrhilabrus fairy wrasses do not require a sand bed in which to sleep. They normally seek shelter among reef structure instead.

Natural Habitat: Protected coral and rubble slopes with finely branching corals at approximately 6–40 meters, most commonly 6–28 meters. FishBase

Social Behavior: FishBase documents the species occurring in aggregations, with distinct pairing during reproduction. FishBase


The Pacific East Conditioning System

Every fish undergoes observation, conditioning
and proactive treatment before release

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New arrivals are acclimated,
and inspected

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We proactively treat fish during conditioning rather than simply holding them

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Fish are closely monitored for feeding response, behavior and overall health.

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Fish are transitioned onto prepared foods and conditioned for aquarium life.

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Arrival and release dates help verify proper holding and conditioning time

"A properly conditioned fish adapts better, feeds more consistently, and has a stronger transition into aquarium life" - Dr. Mac

Every Fish is Evaluated to Ensure it Meets Our Health and Quality Standards

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Common Marine External Parasitical Diseases

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Marine Ich

A common and highly contagious parasitic disease that
 affects marine fish in both wild and captive environments

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Marine Velvet

A parasitic dinoflagellate that infects marine fish and
can progress rapidly if not treated early.

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Brooklynella

A ciliated protozoan that infects the gills andskin of marine fish

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Flukes

Parasitic flatworms that affect gills and skin

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Show image
saltwater-fish-disease-ich-pea-6

Marine Ich

A common and highly contagious parasitic disease that
 affects marine fish in both wild and captive environments

Show image
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Show image
saltwater-fish-disease-ich-pea-6

Marine Ich

A common and highly contagious parasitic disease that
 affects marine fish in both wild and captive environments

Show image
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Order FAQs  

About Our Facility

Q: Are your corals aquacultured?
A: Yes. Many of our corals are grown in our Maryland Certified & Licensed Coral Aquaculture Facility.

Q: Why choose aquacultured corals?
A: Aquacultured corals are:
- More sustainable
- Better adapted to aquarium life
- Typically hardier than wild specimens

Q: Who selects and grows your corals?
A: Our corals are grown and curated by Dr. Mac a Board Certified Veterinary Pathologist with decades of hands-on reef experience.

Ordering & Shipping

Q: What does WYSIWYG mean?
A: “What You See Is What You Get.” The exact coral shown in the photo is the one you will receive.

Q: Can I request a specific color or variation?
A: For WYSIWYG items, what’s pictured is what you get. For non-WYSIWYG items, we do our best to match color and size, but natural variation occurs.

Q: Can I combine multiple orders to save on shipping?
A: Yes—contact us before shipping and we’ll consolidate when possible.

Q: How are corals and fish shipped safely?
A: We use insulated boxes, temperature control (heat/cold packs), and overnight delivery to ensure safe arrival.

Q: What days do you ship?
A: Typically Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays.

Q: Do I need to be home for delivery?
A: Yes—someone should be available to receive livestock immediately.

Q: What if my coral or fish arrives dead (DOA)?
A: Contact us within a specified timeframe (e.g., 2 hours) with clear photos, and we will resolve it quickly.

Q: What voids the guarantee?
A: Missed deliveries, improper acclimation, or delays beyond our control.

Live Arrival Guarantee

Q: What if my coral or fish arrives dead (DOA)?
A: Contact us within a specified timeframe (e.g., 2 hours) with clear photos, and we will resolve it quickly.

Q: What voids the guarantee?
A: Missed deliveries, improper acclimation, or delays beyond our control.

Acclimation & First 24 Hours

Q: How do I acclimate new livestock?
A: Float to match temperature, then drip acclimate before placing in tank.

Q: Should I dip corals before adding them?
A: Yes but be careful, coral dips help prevent pests but use caution. Certain corals might benefit from a short quarantine period instead of a dip so as to further stressing them.

Q: Why does my coral look closed or stressed?
A: This is normal after shipping—most corals open within 24–72 hours.

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Q: Where should I place my coral in the tank?
A: Placement depends on the coral type (LPS, SPS, soft). Lighting and flow requirements vary—check each product description.

Q: Can different corals touch each other?
A: Many corals have sweeper tentacles and can sting neighbors. Always allow space.

Q: How fast will my coral grow?
A: Growth depends on species, lighting, water quality, and feeding.

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