Dusky Fairy Wrasse

(Cirrhilabrus brunneus)

Cirrhilabrus Wrasse are known as Fairy Wrasses and are some of the most beautiful of the marine fish. Males tend to be more colorful and a bit larger than the females. Fairy Wrasse are generally easy, peaceful and reef safe but may pick at small crustaceans. Harems can be kept in the aquarium with 1 male and several females if added at the same time. Provide an aquarium with ample rock work with plenty of crevices and caves for hiding and resting. A diet rich in meaty foods as well as algae based foods should be provided for continued health. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Fairy Wrasse are known to be jumpers provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Dusky Fairy Wrasse is also known simply as the Beau's Wrasse. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. The Dusky Fairy Wrasse is a dark purple to black body with a small amount of red throughout its body, bright yellow body, green fins that are trimmed in black. Dusky Fairy Wrasse can grow up to almost 3".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareDifficultDifficult
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef HabitatSand FlatSand Flat
  • Light: LightHighHigh