Lubbock's fairy wrasse
Cirrhilabrus lubbocki
This Cirrhilabrus reaches up to 8 cm. Males display a brilliant coloration with red, orange, blue and purple hues, while females are duller. The dorsal fin is tall and pointed in males. It is a diurnal fish that swims in open water and takes refuge in crevices at night. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite. It feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans. In aquariums, it is prized for its beauty and peaceful behavior. It may jump, so a lid is important.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22–28 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| GH | 8–12 |
| KH | 7–11 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.05 |
Care
Care notes
Temperature 22-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025, GH 8-12, KH 7-11. Minimum tank volume 200 liters. Carnivorous diet: brine shrimp, mysis, copepods, enriched flake food. It is very peaceful and compatible with most reef fish. Avoid aggressive tankmates. A lid is mandatory. It needs hiding places (live rock). It can be kept in pairs or harems if the tank is large enough. Nitrates <20 mg/L, phosphates <0.05 mg/L. Stable, high-quality water is crucial.