Cirrhilabrus rubeus
The Ruby Finned Fairy Wrasse, *Cirrhilabrus rubeus*, is a stunning and active addition to the reef aquarium. This vibrant wrasse is characterized by its beautiful ruby-red fins, which contrast strikingly with its colorful body. The intensity of the coloration can vary depending on the individual and its mood.
A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for the Ruby Finned Fairy Wrasse, providing ample swimming space for this energetic species. They are native to the Indo-Pacific region and are best kept in a well-established reef aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with a variety of other non-aggressive marine fish. While they are reef-safe, they may occasionally nip at small invertebrates, so caution is advised when housing them with very small ornamental shrimp or snails.
In the aquarium, the Ruby Finned 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 are active swimmers and will spend their day darting in and out of the rockwork, actively searching for food. This species is considered to have an intermediate care level, requiring stable water parameters and a suitable environment to thrive. They typically reach a moderate size in captivity.
