Striped Red Parrot Wrasse - Chillabrus sp.

Striped Red Parrot Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus sp.)

The Striped Red Parrot Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus sp., is a colourful fairy wrasse recognised by its warm red to orange body colouration and contrasting horizontal stripes or fine linear markings. Its appearance can vary considerably according to sex, maturity, collection locality and social condition, with established males typically developing the strongest colours and most elaborate fins. This active reef fish spends the day swimming above coral and rocky structure while capturing tiny planktonic animals from the water column. Its peaceful temperament, lively behaviour and excellent coral compatibility make it an attractive addition to an established marine aquarium, although secure covering and frequent feeding are essential.

Common Name:
Striped Red Parrot Wrasse, Red-striped Fairy Wrasse, Striped Red Fairy Wrasse, Red Dwarf Parrot Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cirrhilabrus sp.

The precise species identity has not been confirmed. “Striped Red Parrot Wrasse” appears to be an aquarium trade name rather than a standardised scientific common name.

Maximum Size:
Approximately 8–12 cm when fully grown, depending on the exact Cirrhilabrus species represented.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Likely Indo-Pacific. Fairy wrasses within the genus Cirrhilabrus occur throughout tropical and subtropical reef regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

They generally inhabit coral reefs, rocky reef slopes and rubble-rich habitats, where they swim a short distance above the reef while feeding on zooplankton. When threatened, they retreat rapidly into caves, coral branches and narrow rock crevices.

As the exact species and collection locality are unconfirmed, a more specific geographical distribution cannot be stated reliably.

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. The Striped Red Parrot Wrasse should 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 wrasse or prevent it from feeding. Keeping multiple mature males with a similar appearance is not recommended unless the aquarium is exceptionally spacious and carefully structured.

Diet:
Carnivorous zooplankton feeder. In natural reef habitats, Cirrhilabrus wrasses feed primarily on copepods, tiny crustaceans and other planktonic organisms captured from the water column.

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

Feed small portions at least two or three times daily. Fairy wrasses have active metabolisms and may gradually lose condition when feeding opportunities are too infrequent.

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 larger aquarium is advisable when maintaining several fairy wrasses or combining this fish with more active or territorial marine species.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active daylight-swimming wrasse that spends much of its time moving through the middle and upper areas of the aquarium while collecting food from the water column.

Mature males may intensify their red, orange, blue or purple colouration, extend their fins and perform rapid display swimming during courtship or territorial interactions. Females and juveniles are generally more subdued in colour.

Fairy wrasses are sequential hermaphrodites. A dominant female may transition into a male when no established male is present, resulting in significant changes to colour, pattern and fin shape.

At night, the fish retreats into a narrow cave or 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

Striped Red Parrot Wrasses do not normally damage healthy corals, anemones, clams or established ornamental invertebrates. Their plankton-feeding behaviour makes them 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 Cirrhilabrus wrasses normally sleep within reef structure rather than burying themselves.

Newly introduced specimens may remain hidden and feed cautiously following transport. Use subdued lighting during initial acclimation and provide several secure retreats.

Confirm that the fish accepts suitably small aquarium foods before purchase whenever possible. Check for a full body profile, clear eyes, intact fins and an undamaged mouth.

Introduce closely related fairy wrasses carefully and use an acclimation box where practical. Add the largest or most dominant male last to reduce immediate territorial aggression.

Where several fairy wrasses are maintained, provide multiple feeding areas and visual barriers. Avoid placing several similarly coloured males together in limited accommodation.

Colouration may change substantially as the fish matures or transitions between sexes. Male colours may also become more intense during social displays and more subdued when the fish is stressed or resting.

Quarantine is recommended, with close monitoring for rapid breathing, damaged fins, mouth injuries, external parasites or refusal to feed. Include inert caves or pipework to provide shelter in the quarantine aquarium.

Because the exact species identity is unconfirmed, future identification may alter the expected adult size, geographical origin or detailed colour description.

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.