Tricolor Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Solorensis)

The Tricolor Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis) is a hardy, active marine fish celebrated for its dynamic coloration and reef-safe temperament. Males exhibit an intricate mix of an orangish-red head, blue-green to purple body, and vibrant fin margins that can shift dramatically during courtship displays.

As an active mid-water swimmer, this peaceful species adds vivid color and continuous movement to mature aquariums. It thrives in well-established community tanks with abundant live rock and a secure lid to prevent jumping.

Key Features

Highlights

• 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)

Materials & care

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.

Compatibility

Peaceful toward non-wrasse tankmates and reef-safe with corals and ornamental invertebrates. It may show aggression toward its own species or other male Cirrhilabrus wrasses, so it is best housed singly or as a single male with multiple females in larger aquariums.

Important Fulfillment Information

Fish and corals ship Monday through Thursday. Not all fish are sexed. If so it will specify.

Once your order ships, you will receive an email with your tracking number. Refunds are always issued for any fish not shipped.

PlantedPlus operates as a collective of trusted freshwater and saltwater importers. This policy allows us to prioritize animal welfare while maintaining reliable service for our hobbyists.

Shipping Cost Disclosure

To help keep ordering live fish online affordable, Planted Plus subsidizes a portion of shipping costs. Because these costs are incurred regardless of order completion, shipping charges are non-refundable.