The Reef Gallery
Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse
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The Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura) is a captivating and vibrant marine fish highly prized by aquarium enthusiasts for its stunning coloration and peaceful nature. Below is a detailed description of the Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasse:
Physical Characteristics:
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Coloration: Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasses are renowned for their breathtaking coloration. They exhibit an electric blue or turquoise color on their sides, which transitions into vibrant red or orange on their upper body and dorsal fin. Their ventral fins and belly are typically yellow or white, creating a striking contrast of colors.
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Size: These wrasses are relatively small, with adult individuals reaching an average length of around 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters). Males are slightly larger and more colorful than females.
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Fins: The Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasse has elongated dorsal and anal fins that extend towards the tail, adding to its graceful appearance.
Behavior and Temperament:
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Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasses are known for their peaceful and non-aggressive nature, making them excellent additions to community reef aquariums.
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They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring the aquarium, often darting in and out of rock formations.
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Males of this species may display occasional territorial behavior towards other males, but it is generally not aggressive.
Habitat and Range:
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Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasses are native to the western Pacific Ocean, particularly in regions around Indonesia and the Philippines.
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They are typically found in coral-rich areas, lagoons, and coastal reefs with ample hiding spots among corals and rocks.
Diet:
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In the wild, Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasses primarily feed on small crustaceans, zooplankton, and tiny invertebrates.
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In aquariums, they should be offered a varied diet that includes high-quality marine pellets, frozen foods like brine shrimp and mysis shrimp, as well as live or frozen marine foods to ensure they receive proper nutrition.
Compatibility:
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Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasses are known for their compatibility with a wide range of reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
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They can be kept in groups, but it is essential to provide enough space and hiding spots to minimize territorial disputes among males.
Care Considerations:
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To keep Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasses healthy in captivity, it's crucial to maintain stable water parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, and ammonia levels.
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Provide plenty of live rock or coral formations in the aquarium to offer hiding places and encourage their natural behavior.
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A well-maintained reef environment with proper lighting and water flow is ideal for these wrasses.
Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
