Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse

The Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse, *Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis*, is a stunning and highly desirable species known for its vibrant coloration and active nature. Males display a rich, velvety red body that intensifies during courtship displays, often accented with iridescent blue or purple markings on the fins and head. Females are typically more subdued in color, exhibiting shades of pink or orange.

A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for the Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse, providing ample swimming space and suitable rockwork for hiding and sleeping. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with a variety of other non-aggressive marine fish. While they are reef-safe and will not harm corals or invertebrates, they are known to be jumpers, so a secure lid is essential.

In the aquarium, the Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse will readily accept a varied diet of high-quality marine flake food, pellet food, frozen mysis shrimp, and enriched brine shrimp. Offering a diverse diet will help maintain their vibrant colors and overall health. They typically reach a maximum size of around 3-4 inches in captivity. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, they are considered to have an intermediate care level, requiring stable water parameters and a well-established aquarium.