Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse

Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse: Small, Peaceful, and Reef Safe

The Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus lubbocki), also known as the Multicolor Fairy Wrasse or Tricolor Fairy Wrasse, is a small, peaceful, and highly desirable species for marine and reef aquariums. Its ease of care and dazzling, variable coloration make it suitable for both beginner and experienced hobbyists.

The coloration of the male is exceptionally vivid but highly variable depending on its geographic origin, with common color combinations featuring a purplish-red body, yellow to orange on the back, and hints of blue or red on the fins. Like all Fairy Wrasses, the male will exhibit a dramatic, temporary increase in color intensity, known as "flashing," during courtship or display.

Care & Compatibility

• Size: This is one of the smaller Fairy Wrasses, reaching a maximum size of approximately 3–3.5 inches (7.5–9 cm).
• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons is suitable for a single individual, but 55 gallons or more is preferred, especially if keeping a group (harem).
• Temperament: Peaceful and Timid. Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse is a great community fish, but it is easily intimidated by large, boisterous, or aggressive tankmates. It should be kept with other peaceful fish (like Gobies, Clownfish, and small Angels). Males can be territorial with other male Cirrhilabrus species or its own kind. It's best to keep one male, or a harem of one male with several females.
• Reef Compatibility: 100% Reef Safe. As a zooplankton feeder with a tiny mouth, this wrasse poses no threat to corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates. It is also generally safe with ornamental shrimp and snails.
• Diet: Carnivore/Zooplankton Feeder. Due to its high metabolism, the Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse requires frequent feedings of small, meaty foods, ideally 3-4 times per day. A varied diet should include high-quality enriched frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and fine marine pellets or flakes.
• Tank Requirements:
  • Lid: A tight-fitting lid is absolutely required. All Fairy Wrasses are prodigious jumpers, especially when stressed or newly introduced.
  • Hiding Spots: Provide ample live rock structure with plenty of caves and shaded crevices. This wrasse may hide for several days when first introduced. They do not typically burrow in the sand to sleep but will sometimes do so if frightened. They prefer to sleep wedged into rockwork or in a mucus cocoon.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus lubbocki
• Primary Common Name: Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Multicolor Fairy Wrasse, Tricolor Fairy Wrasse
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Philippines, Indonesia)
• Max Size: 3.5 inches (9 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Timid (Avoid aggressive tankmates)
• Diet: Carnivore/Zooplankton Feeder (Needs multiple daily feedings)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30–55 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Safe with all corals and invertebrates)