Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Rubriventralis)

The Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis) is a striking marine species admired for its vivid coloration and elongated finnage. Males display an intense red or orange upper body contrasted with a pale underbelly, accented by brilliant scarlet and blue dorsal and anal fins that flash during active displays.

Reaching an adult size of 7 to 10 cm, this peaceful carnivore thrives in reef aquariums of at least 189.3 L with ample rockwork. It occupies the mid-water column, forming a protective mucus cocoon at night, and requires a securely fitted lid to prevent jumping.

Key Features

Highlights

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)

Materials & care

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.

Compatibility

Peaceful and social in community marine aquariums. It is best kept individually or as a harem with one male and multiple females introduced simultaneously. Avoid housing with aggressive fish that may intimidate it.