Pink-margined Fairy Wrasse - Cirrhilabrus rubrimarginatus

Pink-margined Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubrimarginatus)

The Pink-margined Fairy Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus rubrimarginatus, is an elegant Western Pacific reef fish prized for its shimmering pink, rose-red and green colouration. Also known as the Red-margined Fairy Wrasse or Pink Margin Wrasse, mature males develop particularly vivid red-pink margins along the dorsal and tail fins, while females and juveniles display softer pink and reddish tones. This active zooplankton feeder naturally swims above deeper reef slopes and rubble habitats. Its peaceful temperament, manageable adult size and excellent coral compatibility make it a desirable choice for established reef aquariums with suitable tank mates and a completely secure cover.

Common Name:
Pink-margined Fairy Wrasse, Pink Margin Fairy Wrasse, Red-margined Fairy Wrasse, Red Margin Fairy Wrasse, Pink Shimmering Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cirrhilabrus rubrimarginatus

Maximum Size:
Usually around 10–12 cm when fully grown, with a reported scientific maximum of approximately 12.2 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Pacific, occurring from southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands through the Philippines, Palau and Indonesia, and eastwards towards Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. Pink-margined Fairy Wrasses inhabit deeper coastal and outer reef slopes, drop-offs and areas of sand or rubble containing scattered coral growth. Adults may form loose feeding groups above the reef, while juveniles often remain closer to rubble and protective structure.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; stable salinity, alkalinity, strong oxygenation and consistently high water quality are important.

Temperament:
Generally peaceful, active and social. Established males may become territorial towards other fairy wrasses, particularly closely related or similarly coloured species. Pink-margined Fairy Wrasses are best housed with peaceful to moderately assertive reef fish that will not intimidate them or prevent them from feeding. Avoid large, aggressive predators and highly territorial tank mates.

Diet:
Carnivorous zooplankton feeder. In the wild, this species feeds on copepods, small crustaceans and other planktonic organisms captured from the water column. In the aquarium, offer enriched mysis shrimp, Artemia, copepods, finely chopped krill, small marine pellets and quality marine flakes. Feed small portions at least twice daily, as fairy wrasses are active fish with relatively high energy requirements.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum aquarium volume of approximately 250–300 litres is recommended for one adult, with a long swimming area and extensive mature rockwork. A larger aquarium is preferable when maintaining multiple fairy wrasses or a compatible social group.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active daylight-swimming wrasse that spends much of its time moving through the middle and upper areas of the aquarium while feeding from the water column. Mature males may intensify their colours, spread their fins and perform rapid display swimming when interacting with females or rival wrasses. At night, the fish retreats into a secure rock crevice to sleep and may form a thin mucus cocoon around its body. Unlike many sand-dwelling wrasses, this species does not normally bury itself in the substrate.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Pink-margined Fairy Wrasses do not normally damage corals, anemones, clams or established ornamental invertebrates. They feed mainly on small organisms suspended in the water and are well suited to mixed reef aquariums. Very small planktonic crustaceans and larvae may be consumed as part of their natural diet.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A tightly fitted aquarium cover or fine mesh lid is essential, as fairy wrasses are exceptionally capable jumpers and may escape through very small openings. Provide extensive secure rockwork containing caves and narrow crevices for sleeping and shelter, together with generous open swimming space.

Introduce closely related wrasses carefully and add the largest or most dominant male last where possible. Keeping several mature males may result in persistent aggression unless the aquarium is exceptionally spacious. A single specimen can be maintained alone, while a social group should normally contain one male with one or more females introduced together. Females of Cirrhilabrus species may transition into males when no dominant male is present.

Newly introduced specimens may hide for several days and should be offered small foods near shelter until they become confident. Avoid aggressive feeders that may prevent them from obtaining sufficient food. Slow acclimation and quarantine are recommended, particularly for fish collected from deeper reef habitats.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Rare or occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.