Tricolor Fairy Wrasse

Tricolor Fairy Wrasse: The Hardy, Colorful Reef Flasher

The Tricolor Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis), also widely known as the Redheaded Fairy Wrasse, Solar Fairy Wrasse, or Solon Wrasse, is a popular and relatively hardy member of the Cirrhilabrus genus. It is highly prized by reef enthusiasts for its brilliant, shifting colors, peaceful nature, and complete safety within coral and invertebrate setups.

Like all Fairy Wrasses, this species displays significant sexual dimorphism and a spectacular "flashing" behavior (temporary, intense color changes used for courtship or display):

• Males are the most commonly seen in the trade, exhibiting a complex mix of colors: an orangish-red head/face, often a blue-green to purple body, and fins edged in blue, red, or yellow, giving it the "Tricolor" appearance. The color intensity and pattern can vary significantly based on mood and maturity.
• Females/Juveniles are generally more subdued, often having a reddish-brown or dull orange body.

This species is a non-stop, mid-water swimmer, adding vibrant activity and color to the aquarium.

Care & Compatibility

• Size: Reaches a manageable size of 4.5–5 inches (11–13 cm).
• Minimum Tank Size: A tank of 60–90 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming room, as they are extremely active.
• Temperament: Peaceful and Active. The Tricolor Fairy Wrasse is a community fish. It is not aggressive towards other non-wrasse tankmates but will be aggressive toward other male Cirrhilabrus species or its own kind. It is best kept singly, or in a harem of one male and multiple females if the tank is large enough (100+ gallons).
• Reef Compatibility: 100% Reef Safe. This wrasse is a zooplankton feeder with a small mouth and will not bother corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates. It is generally safe with ornamental shrimp and snails.
• Diet: Carnivore/Zooplankton Feeder. This wrasse has a high metabolism and requires a varied diet of tiny, meaty foods 3-4 times per day. Feed high-quality enriched frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, fish eggs, and small marine pellets or flakes. Constant feeding is crucial for health and color retention.
• Tank Requirements:
  • Lid: A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as all Fairy Wrasses are notorious jumpers, particularly when startled or newly introduced.
  • Hiding Spots: Provide abundant live rock structure with caves and crevices for security and sleeping. Fairy Wrasses do not burrow in the sand; they typically wedge themselves into rock crevices or form a mucus cocoon to sleep.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus solorensis
• Primary Common Name: Tricolor Fairy Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Redheaded Fairy Wrasse, Solar Fairy Wrasse, Solon Wrasse
• Origin: Western Central Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines)
• Max Size: 5 inches (13 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Active (Aggressive toward other male Fairy Wrasses)
• Diet: Carnivore/Zooplankton Feeder (Needs multiple daily feedings)
• Minimum Tank Size: 60–90 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Safe with all corals and most invertebrates)