Seafighter Wrasse - Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis

Seafighter Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis)

The Seafighter Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis, is a compact and colourful fairy wrasse recognised by its reddish body, contrasting pale underside, elongated red pelvic fins and vivid blue, purple and yellow markings in mature males. Also known as the Longfin Fairy Wrasse, Red-ventral Fairy Wrasse or Social Wrasse, it inhabits coral and rubble reefs within the Red Sea region. This active zooplankton feeder spends much of the day swimming above the reef while capturing tiny crustaceans from the water column. Its manageable adult size, peaceful nature and excellent coral compatibility make it an attractive reef aquarium fish, although it requires frequent feeding, calm tank mates and a completely secure aquarium cover.

Common Name:
Seafighter Wrasse, Longfin Fairy Wrasse, Red-ventral Fairy Wrasse, Social Wrasse, Redfin Fairy Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis

Maximum Size:
Usually around 7–8 cm in total length when fully grown.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Indian Ocean, principally the Red Sea. Closely related species previously included within the wider Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis complex occur elsewhere in the western Indian Ocean.

Seafighter Wrasses inhabit fringing reefs and areas of coral or rubble at depths of approximately 3–43 metres. They swim above the reef structure while feeding on zooplankton and retreat rapidly into caves and narrow crevices when threatened.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; maintain stable salinity, alkalinity, strong oxygenation and consistently high water quality.

Temperament:
Peaceful to moderately assertive. Seafighter Wrasses generally coexist well with calm marine community fish but may become territorial towards closely related fairy wrasses, particularly similarly coloured males.

Avoid aggressive, highly boisterous or predatory tank mates that may intimidate the fish or prevent it from feeding. Only one mature male should normally be maintained unless the aquarium is exceptionally spacious and carefully planned.

Diet:
Carnivorous zooplankton feeder. In the wild, this species captures copepods, tiny crustaceans and other planktonic organisms from the water column above the reef.

In the aquarium, offer enriched mysis shrimp, Artemia, copepods, Cyclops, Calanus, finely chopped krill and other small marine foods. High-quality marine pellets and flakes of a suitable size may also be accepted.

Feed small portions at least two or three times daily. Recently introduced specimens may require more frequent meals because fairy wrasses have active metabolisms and can lose condition when feeding opportunities are limited.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum aquarium volume of approximately 200 litres is recommended for one adult, with extensive mature rockwork, numerous sheltered crevices and generous open swimming space.

A considerably larger aquarium is advisable when maintaining several fairy wrasses or a social group consisting of one male with compatible females.

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 red, blue, purple and yellow colouration, extend their fins and perform rapid display swimming during courtship or territorial interactions. Females and juveniles are generally less intensely coloured.

Seafighter Wrasses are socially structured and may naturally occur in groups. As with other fairy wrasses, the dominant individual develops into a male, while subordinate fish remain female.

At night, the fish retreats into a narrow rock crevice and may surround itself with a thin protective mucus cocoon. It does not normally bury itself beneath the sand.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

Seafighter Wrasses do not normally damage healthy corals, anemones, clams or established ornamental invertebrates. They feed primarily on small planktonic organisms within the water column and are well suited to mixed reef aquariums.

Very small planktonic crustaceans and larvae may be consumed as part of their natural diet, but established ornamental shrimps, crabs and snails are generally ignored.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A tightly fitted aquarium cover or fine mesh lid is essential because fairy wrasses are exceptionally capable jumpers. Cover every opening around cables, pipework, overflow boxes and feeding hatches.

Provide extensive secure rockwork containing caves and narrow sleeping crevices alongside generous open swimming space. A sand bed is optional because this species sleeps within rockwork rather than burying itself.

Newly introduced specimens may be shy and sensitive following transport. Use subdued lighting during acclimation and provide calm surroundings, several secure retreats and easy access to food.

Check the mouth carefully before purchase. Damage caused during capture or transport can prevent effective feeding and may lead to infection or rapid deterioration.

Confirm that the fish accepts suitable aquarium foods whenever possible. Offer several small meals daily and avoid fast, aggressive feeders that may consume all available food before the wrasse can feed.

Introduce closely related fairy wrasses carefully and use an acclimation box where appropriate. Add the largest or most dominant male last. A social group should normally consist of one male with one or more females rather than several competing males.

Colour may fade when males are maintained without females or other suitable social stimulation. A varied diet, stable water quality and appropriate social conditions help maintain the strongest natural colouration.

Quarantine is recommended, with close monitoring for rapid breathing, damaged fins, mouth injuries, external parasites or loss of appetite. Provide secure pipework or inert caves within the quarantine aquarium.

Suitable for:
Intermediate marine 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.