Lineatus Fairy Wrasse

(Cirrhilabrus lineatus)

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 Lineatus Fairy Wrasse is also sometimes known as the Purplelined Wrasse. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Coloration of the Lineatus Fairy Wrasse may depend on maturity, collection area or breeding period. Male Lineatus Fairy Wrasse are a light purple with thin blue stripes on their head and orange to yellow thin stripes on their dorsal, anal and tail fins. Females have similar subdued colors. Lineatus Fairy Wrasse can grow up to almost 5".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 90 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: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium