Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse

Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse: The Social Jumper

The Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis), often called the Longfin Fairy Wrasse, Social Wrasse, or Blue and Red Fairy Wrasse, is a strikingly colored and relatively small species highly sought after by reef enthusiasts. This fish belongs to the rubriventralis group of Fairy Wrasses, which are characterized by their dramatically long pelvic fins and pennant-like extensions on the dorsal fin of terminal phase males.

Males typically exhibit a brilliant red or orange dorsal region contrasting sharply with a white or pale belly. Their prominent dorsal and anal fins are scarlet red, often with accents of blue, which intensify during display (known as "flashing"). The overall coloration and pattern are highly variable depending on the geographic origin, with Red Sea specimens being particularly vibrant.

This diminutive wrasse reaches a maximum size of only about 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm), making it an ideal candidate for smaller reef systems. A minimum tank size of 50 gallons is recommended to accommodate its active swimming nature. Due to its propensity to leap from the water when startled, a tight-fitting lid or screen cover is absolutely essential for its safety.

The Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse is a hardy and peaceful addition, adding constant motion and brilliant color to the mid-water column of a community aquarium.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: As a dedicated Carnivore and zooplankton feeder, this wrasse requires a high-quality, varied diet. Due to its high metabolism and constant activity, it must be fed two to three small meals per day. The diet should primarily consist of vitamin-enriched frozen foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and cyclops, supplemented with high-quality marine flakes and pellets.
• Sleeping Behavior: Unlike many wrasse species, Cirrhilabrus wrasses do not burrow into the sand. Instead, they form a protective mucus cocoon in the rockwork or wedge themselves into a crevice to sleep at night.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe and will not harm corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates. It may, however, prey upon the smallest ornamental invertebrates, though it is generally safe with most cleanup crew members, including larger shrimp.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful and social, making it an excellent community fish. Males may show aggression toward other male Fairy Wrasses, especially those of a similar size or coloration. It is best kept as a single male or as a harem (one male with multiple females) introduced simultaneously. Avoid housing with large, aggressive fish that could outcompete it for food or intimidate it.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis
• Primary Common Name: Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Longfin Fairy Wrasse, Social Wrasse, Blue and Red Fairy Wrasse
• Origin: Western Indian Ocean (Red Sea to Gulf of Oman)
• Max Size: 3-4 inches (7-10 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Active (Requires secured lid)
• Diet: Carnivore (Zooplankton Feeder, needs multiple daily feedings)
• Minimum Tank Size: 50+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Safe with corals and most invertebrates)