Debelius Wrasse

Debelius Fairy Wrasse Care

Scientific name: Cirrhilabrus adornatus
Common names: Debelius Fairy Wrasse, Red-Fin Fairy Wrasse, Koi Fairy Wrasse
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult size: Approximately 8–10 cm
Minimum aquarium size: 200 litres
Diet: Carnivore
Reef safe: Yes
Aquarium level: Middle to upper levels
Temperature: 24–27°C
Salinity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

The aquarium must have a tight-fitting lid or mesh cover, as fairy wrasses are exceptionally good jumpers. Provide plenty of open swimming space together with rockwork where the fish can retreat when frightened or sleep at night.

Feed two or three small meals daily. Suitable foods include enriched mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine meat, copepods, brine shrimp and quality marine pellets. Newly introduced fish may initially prefer frozen or live foods.

Debelius Wrasses are generally peaceful and can be housed with other calm reef fish. Avoid aggressive tankmates that may intimidate them. Caution is required when keeping several fairy wrasses together, particularly similar-looking males. Unlike many sand-sleeping wrasses, fairy wrasses normally form a mucus cocoon and shelter among the rockwork, so a deep sand bed is not essential.