Care
The Redfin Fairy Wrasse is known from the reefs of Indonesia and the Philippines, where it is typically found in areas of moderate current, to depths of 40m (131ft). Juveniles are often seen shoaling in groups with adult females and one adult male, along with other species of Cirrhilabrus or Paracheilinus wrasses, as they feed on zooplankton in the water column. This is an all over red-orange fish, with the colour fading to yellow or white ventrally. Dominant males are much more intensely coloured, with larger, brighter red dorsal and anal fins, and long filaments on the ventral fins. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins also have thin bright blue margins. In the home aquarium, it is best to keep either a single specimen or a group consisting of just one male with several females. Be sure to add the entire group simultaneously, or else add all females before the male. In the confines of the aquarium, large males will behave aggressively towards other fairy wrasses and other small wrasse species introduced after them. Unless you are blessed with a system of vast proportions, never attempt to keep more than one male together. The tank should be aquascaped with plenty of live rock, in order for the fish to have ample places to hide amongst should they feel threatened. Newly acclimatised fish may be quite shy, but in the presence of peaceful tankmates, they should soon gain much confidence and swim out in open water areas. It is best not to house the Redfin Fairy Wrasse with large, intimidating species such as some of the bigger Angels and Tangs. Likewise, do not keep alongside small timid planktivores such as dottybacks, as the Redfin Fairy Wrasse can be a little boisterous and competitive at feeding times. Provide your fish with consistently high water quality, decent current, and plenty of aeration. Tight fitting coverslides are an absolute must as these fish are expert jumpers. You may sometimes see this fish labelled as the Redfin Wrasse or Ruby Finned Fairy Wrasse.
Feeding
Feed a variety of meaty foods in small amounts several times per day, including Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill, and plankton. Over time, may also learn to accept flake foods.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
