Temminck's Fairy Wrasse - Cirrhilabrus temminckii

Temminck's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus temminckii)

Temminck's Fairy Wrasse is an elegant and colourful marine wrasse known for its slender body, lively swimming behaviour and attractive pink, red and yellow tones. Mature males can develop stronger colouration and more pronounced fin markings, particularly during courtship or territorial displays. Peaceful towards most unrelated reef fish and generally safe with corals and ornamental invertebrates, this species is well suited to established reef aquariums with plenty of swimming room and a secure lid.

Common Name:
Temminck's Fairy Wrasse, Temminck's Wrasse

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cirrhilabrus temminckii

Maximum Size:
Approximately 10 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Temminck's Fairy Wrasse occurs in the Western Pacific and is associated with coral-rich reef environments, including reef slopes and areas with substantial rocky structure.

It typically swims above and around reef structure where it can feed from the water column while remaining close enough to caves and crevices for shelter.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

Temminck's Fairy Wrasse is generally peaceful towards unrelated reef fish and is well suited to calm marine community aquariums.

Males may become territorial towards other fairy wrasses, particularly similarly coloured or closely related species. Careful introduction and plenty of space are recommended when keeping multiple Cirrhilabrus species together.

Diet:
Carnivore / Planktivore

Offer a varied diet of small meaty marine foods including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped krill and other appropriately sized foods.

Quality marine pellets and flakes may also be accepted once established.

Several smaller feeds throughout the day are beneficial for maintaining healthy body condition and strong colouration.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 200 litres

Although relatively small, this is an active swimmer that benefits from substantial open water alongside well-structured rockwork.

Behaviour & Activity:
Temminck's Fairy Wrasse is an active daytime fish that spends much of its time swimming above and around reef structure.

Unlike sand-burying wrasses, Cirrhilabrus species generally retreat into rockwork and crevices to sleep, so a deep sand bed is not essential.

Provide plenty of open swimming space together with caves, overhangs and secure rockwork.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid or mesh cover is essential, as fairy wrasses are accomplished jumpers and may leap from surprisingly small openings when startled.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

Temminck's Fairy Wrasse is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its natural feeding behaviour focuses on small planktonic prey rather than coral tissue, making it suitable for mixed and coral-dominated reef systems.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature, stable marine aquarium with good oxygenation, consistent water quality and plenty of swimming room.

A secure lid is one of the most important requirements for this species.

Avoid highly aggressive tankmates that may intimidate the wrasse or prevent it from feeding normally.

When keeping multiple fairy wrasses, provide sufficient space and visual barriers to reduce territorial disputes.

Mature males may display intensified colouration and more pronounced fin patterning when interacting with females or rival males.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

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.