Deepwater fairy wrasse
Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus
This fish has an elongated body with bright colors, often vivid red and orange, with translucent fins. It is adapted to deep life, with relatively large eyes. It feeds on zooplankton and small invertebrates. Its behavior is similar to other Cirrhilabrus, but it is more sensitive to parameter changes. In an aquarium, it requires careful acclimation and stable conditions. It is rarely available in the trade.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–26 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| GH | 8–12 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 10 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.03 |
Care
Care notes
Temperature 24-26°C (cooler than surface species), pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026. A minimum 300-liter tank is recommended due to its sensitivity. Varied diet: mysis, enriched brine shrimp, small crustaceans. Compatible with calm fish, avoid aggressive species. A lid is necessary. Parameters must be very stable: nitrates < 10 mg/L, phosphates < 0.03 mg/L. Low to moderate lighting is preferred. Powerful filtration and a protein skimmer are essential.