© Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse
The Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse is a small, vividly colored fairy wrasse found across waters from the Philippines to Indonesia. Its rosy-to-magenta body is set off by a bright yellow dorsal stripe, making it one of the more eye-catching fish for a home reef tank. Adults stay compact at around 8cm, and because they don't nip at coral polyps, they're considered safe tankmates for reef setups. They're generally easygoing and well suited to beginner aquarists, though like other fairy wrasses they're prone to startling and leaping from open water, so a tightly fitted lid is essential. Combining a diminutive size with striking color, this wrasse makes a rewarding centerpiece or complement to any peaceful reef community.
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Apply as a breederLubbock's Fairy Wrasse key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Size
- Up to 8 cm
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Diet
- Frozen mysis and brine shrimp, pellets and flakes
- Notes
- Fairy wrasses jump extremely often; a gap-free lid is mandatory. Keep lighting subdued right after introduction until the fish settles.
- Container & Tank
- Small (about 8 cm) but active; about 210 L for a single fish, larger for a harem. Provide rockwork for shelter.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 22-26C, pH 8.1-8.4, SG 1.020-1.025. Hardy, but avoid sudden changes and keep conditions stable.
- Diet & Feeding
- Zooplankton feeder. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp and pellets or flakes about twice a day. Accepts food readily.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Harmless to corals and invertebrates, ideal for reef tanks. Peaceful but may fight with other Cirrhilabrus. For a harem, add females first and the male last.
About Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse
A small fairy wrasse from the Philippines and Indonesia, with a rosy-to-magenta body and yellow dorsal stripe. Reaching about 8cm, it's reef-safe and beginner-friendly, but a secure lid is essential to prevent jumping.
7 things to know before welcoming a Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse
1Watch for Jumping
This wrasse is known for bolting out of the water when startled, and it can squeeze through even small gaps. Always keep the tank tightly covered, and stay alert when the lid is open for feeding or maintenance.
2A Compact Size
Adults top out at around 8cm, making this wrasse easy to house in small to medium reef tanks. Its modest size also makes it simple to combine with other small, peaceful reef fish.
3Reef-Safe by Nature
Because it doesn't nip at coral polyps, this wrasse can be safely kept in reef tanks, including SPS-dominant setups. It's a solid choice for invertebrate-focused aquascapes.
4Peaceful, Social Temperament
Lubbock's Fairy Wrasses are generally peaceful and mix well with other small, non-aggressive reef fish. Males can be territorial toward one another, though, so if keeping more than one, a single-male setup with a few females tends to work best.
5Feeding Habits
This species leans carnivorous, favoring zooplankton and small crustaceans in the wild. It generally adapts well to prepared foods, though starting with something highly palatable like frozen brine shrimp can smooth the transition.
6Provide Rockwork to Hide In
These wrasses like to tuck into crevices in the rockwork at night or when feeling threatened. Building plenty of live rock with hiding spots helps keep them calm and reduces stress.
7Careful Acclimation Matters
Like many wrasses, this species can be sensitive to shipping stress and sudden water changes, so slow, careful acclimation is important. After introduction, keep an eye on feeding response and swimming behavior for signs of stress.
Frequently asked questions about Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse
- Q.Can it be kept in a reef tank?
- A.Yes, it doesn't peck at coral polyps, so it's considered reef-safe, including in SPS-dominant setups.
- Q.Is it suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, this species is generally considered beginner-friendly. That said, a tightly fitted lid is a must, since it's prone to jumping.
- Q.Does it get along with other fish?
- A.It's generally peaceful and mixes well with other small, non-aggressive tankmates. Males can be territorial toward each other, so care is needed when keeping more than one.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.It stays compact, reaching a maximum of about 8cm as an adult. This makes it easy to house in small to medium reef tanks.
- Q.Do I really need a lid on the tank?
- A.Yes, a lid is essential. This wrasse tends to leap out of the water when startled and can escape through even small gaps.
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View Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse encyclopedia entry →
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