Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse

Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse

The Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus naokoae) is a very uncommon species only identified in 2009. Mature males are red on top with a white belly and broad yellow band in between. The tail is blue and the dorsal and anal fins are black, red and blue with large black pectoral fins. They are currently only known to be around Indonesia and Sumatra. The females and juvenile are not well-documented yet but are more subdued than the flashy males. 

Fairy Wrasses (Cirrhilabrus sp.) and Flasher Wrasses (Paracheilinus sp.) have a generally placid temperament and tolerate most tankmates, provided that they have plenty of places to escape to and hide to feel secure. Flasher Wrasses tend to be more active and outgoing than Fairy Wrasses and the two groups may be aggressive towards each other. Males of both groups are usually brighter in color than juveniles and females, and males will show their colors and behavior to the best advantage in the presence of a female. Regional variations and cross-breeding within each groups can make identification difficult.