Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse

The Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura) is a stunning and vibrant marine species known for its beautiful coloration and peaceful nature. It's highly sought after by aquarists for its striking appearance and compatibility with reef tanks.

(REEF SAFE / INTERMEDIATE)

Essential Information:

• Common Names: Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse, Bluefin Fairy Wrasse, Cyanopleura Wrasse
• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura
• Family: Labridae
• Origin/Habitat: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, found in reef slopes, lagoon areas, and seagrass beds.
• Maximum Size: Up to 3 inches (8 cm)
• Lifespan: Typically 4–5 years with proper care
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate; requires a well-maintained, mature tank and a varied diet.

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Coloration & Pattern: The Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse has a vibrant blue body with striking red and yellow accents along its sides, and a characteristic yellow tail. The males may display more intense colors.
• Body Shape & Structure: Long, slender body with a streamlined shape, ideal for darting through the water. The males may develop slightly more elongated fins than the females.

Habitat & Environmental Needs:

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 liters) or larger.
• Water Temperature: Maintain between 74°F and 80°F (23°C to 27°C).
• pH Level: Keep between 8.1 and 8.4.
• Specific Gravity: Optimal range is 1.023 to 1.025.
• Aquascape: Provide plenty of live rock with hiding spots, crevices, and open swimming areas for this active fish.

Diet & Feeding:

• Diet Type: Carnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Primarily feeds on small invertebrates, copepods, and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, it accepts frozen foods, such as mysis shrimp and other meaty foods, as well as high-quality pellets.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2–3 times daily; offer a variety of foods to keep it healthy.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Generally peaceful and active, but can be territorial towards other wrasses.
• Social Behavior: Best kept singly or in a group of females with one male in larger tanks.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Compatible with most peaceful reef fish; avoid keeping with overly aggressive species or other males of the same species.
• Activity Level: Active and energetic, often seen swimming in the open water and darting through the rockwork.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes:

• Ease of Care: Requires a stable, mature tank with excellent water quality and a well-rounded diet.
• Special Requirements: Like most wrasses, it will benefit from a sand bed for sleeping at night. Ensure the tank has tight-fitting lids as wrasses are known to jump.
• Breeding Info: Rarely bred in captivity; little is known about their reproductive behavior.
• Additional Notes: The Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse is a spectacular addition to any reef tank due to its peaceful nature and vivid coloration. It is a voracious hunter of small invertebrates and can help control pests in the tank, but it should not be relied upon solely for pest control.