Naoko Fairy wrasse

Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus naokoae)

Description:
The Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse is a stunning and relatively rare reef-safe wrasse, prized for its vibrant coloration and active swimming. Males display striking shades of red, pink, and orange with a dark dorsal band and iridescent highlights, while females and juveniles are more subdued but still attractive. Peaceful and full of personality, this wrasse makes an excellent addition to a reef tank.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful (may show mild aggression toward other wrasses)
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Maximum Size: ~9 cm (3.5 in)

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 250 L (65 gal)

• Water Temperature: 23 – 26 °C

• pH: 8.1 – 8.4

• Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

• Setup: Provide plenty of live rock for hiding, with open swimming space. A covered tank is essential as fairy wrasses are known jumpers.

Diet:

Carnivorous – offer a variety of small meaty foods:

• Frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp

• Finely chopped seafood

• High-quality marine carnivore pellets or flakes

• Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily

Compatibility:

• Peaceful and well-suited for reef aquariums.

• Safe with corals and most invertebrates.

• Best kept singly or in male-female pairs; avoid housing with other fairy wrasses unless in a large tank.

• Avoid aggressive tankmates that may bully this active but gentle fish.

⚠️ Reef Safe: Yes – completely safe with corals and most inverts.

✅ Quick Facts (Store Snapshot):

• Species: Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus naokoae)

• Size: ~9 cm

• Tank Size: 250 L+

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Diet: Carnivore (small meaty foods)

• Reef Safe: ✔ Yes