Redfin Fairy Wrasse

Redfin Fairy Wrasse: The Ruby-Finned Wonder

The Redfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubripinnis), often sold under the dazzling name Ruby-Finned Fairy Wrasse, is a fantastic and relatively hardy member of the Cirrhilabrus genus. This species is celebrated for its brilliant, deep red fins and a body that shimmers with shades of pink, yellow, and red-orange, making it a beautiful and active addition to any peaceful marine aquarium.

Native to the Western Central Pacific, particularly around the Philippines and Indonesia, this wrasse is a planktivore that stays relatively small, reaching a maximum adult length of about 3 to 3.5 inches (8-9 cm). The male is significantly more colorful than the female, showcasing a broader red pattern and characteristic long, filamentous red ventral (pelvic) fins which are used in dramatic courtship displays known as "flashing."

Like its cousins in the Fairy Wrasse group, the Redfin Fairy Wrasse is a constant, energetic swimmer that requires plenty of open water, though its smaller size makes it suitable for tanks starting at 40 to 55 gallons. A tightly fitted screen top or lid is essential, as this species is a notorious jumper when startled.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This fish is a dedicated Carnivore (planktivore). Due to its active nature and fast metabolism, it must be fed frequently, ideally 2 to 3 times per day. Offer a varied diet of high-quality, small, meaty frozen foods, such as enriched mysis shrimp, frozen copepods, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It will readily accept high-quality marine flake and pellet foods once acclimated.
• Reef Compatibility: It is considered Completely Reef Safe. The Redfin Fairy Wrasse focuses its hunting on tiny invertebrates and plankton in the water column and will ignore corals and most sessile invertebrates. It is generally safe with ornamental shrimp, though the risk is never zero when introducing any wrasse.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive. It is peaceful toward most fish but may exhibit territoriality or aggression toward other wrasses, especially those of similar size, coloration, or species (congeners). It is best kept singly, as a male-female pair, or as a harem (one male with multiple females) in larger tanks. Do not attempt to house two males together unless in a very large system (100+ gallons) with plenty of line-of-sight barriers.
• Sleeping Habit: This wrasse sleeps in a mucus cocoon within the live rock and does not require a sand bed for burrowing, although it may hide in the substrate when newly introduced or highly stressed.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus rubripinnis
• Primary Common Name: Redfin Fairy Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Ruby-Finned Fairy Wrasse, Red Parrot Fairy Wrasse
• Origin: Western Central Pacific (Philippines, Indonesia)
• Max Size: 3-3.5 inches (8-9 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Active Jumper)
• Diet: Carnivore (Planktivore, needs frequent feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 40-55+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Safe with all corals and most invertebrates)