Hooded Fairy Wrasse, Female

(Cirrhilabrus efatensis)

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 Hooded Fairy Wrasse is also known simply as the Hooded Wrasse. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. The three species of Hooded Fairy Wrasse do look quite similar, however the male C. efatensis will have distinct color seperation between its red head and yellow to orange back half of its body. Females are not as brightly colored and only have a small amount of yellow on their chin and caudal peduncle. Hooded 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
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium