Aquamarine Aquaristic
Red Head Salon Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cf. rubrimentum)
Overview The Red Head Saloon Fairy Wrasse is a highly desirable reef fish known for its vivid red-orange head, elegant body shape, and constant active swimming behaviour. Like other fairy...
Read full description →
Description
Overview
The Red Head Saloon Fairy Wrasse is a highly desirable reef fish known for its vivid red-orange head, elegant body shape, and constant active swimming behaviour. Like other fairy wrasses, it adds movement, colour shifts, and personality to reef aquariums, especially when males display their full fin extensions during courtship.
This species is peaceful, reef safe, and ideal for mature reef systems with plenty of swimming space and secure rockwork.
Scientific Name
Cirrhilabrus cf. rubrimentum (trade grouping / regional variant naming)
Common Names
- Red Head Saloon Fairy Wrasse
- Red Head Fairy Wrasse
- Saloon Fairy Wrasse (trade shorthand)
Care Level
Easy to Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Reef Safe
Yes — completely reef safe
Minimum Tank Size
200L+
Adult Size
Around 8–12cm
Lifespan
5–8+ years with proper care
Natural Habitat
Red Head Fairy Wrasses are found in Indo-Pacific reef slopes and rubble zones where they swim above coral structures in loose groups. Males are highly active and display constantly, while females tend to remain slightly more subdued.
They spend most of their time in the mid-water column feeding on plankton.
Diet & Feeding
Fairy wrasses are planktivores and require a varied protein-rich diet.
Recommended Foods
- Frozen mysis shrimp
- Brine shrimp (enriched)
- Copepods and zooplankton blends
- Small marine pellets
- Finely chopped seafood
- High-quality frozen marine mixes
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 24–26°C
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Nitrate: <10–15ppm
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0
Stable reef conditions with good oxygenation are ideal.
Tank Setup
Red Head Fairy Wrasses thrive in peaceful reef aquariums with open swimming space and secure cover.
Ideal Setup Includes
- Open mid-water swimming zones
- Live rock with caves for sleeping
- Moderate, reef-safe flow
- Peaceful tank mates
- Tight-fitting lid (strong jumper risk)
They typically sleep within rock crevices or mucus cocoons at night.
Compatibility
Very peaceful and excellent for community reef systems.
Compatible With
- Clownfish
- Tangs (peaceful species)
- Gobies and blennies
- Anthias
- Dwarf angelfish
- Other fairy wrasses (proper hierarchy)
Use Caution With
- Large aggressive wrasses
- Dottybacks in small systems
- Predatory fish
- Very timid nano fish in confined tanks
Common Mistakes
No Lid on Tank
Fairy wrasses are strong jumpers, especially when first introduced.
Underfeeding
They need regular small meals due to high metabolism.
Mixing Too Aggressive Wrasses
Aggression can occur if introduced incorrectly.
Small Tank Environments
They need swimming space to display natural behaviour and colour.
Fun Facts
- Males dramatically intensify colour when courting females
- They often “flash” colour changes when interacting with other wrasses
- Fairy wrasses can shift social status in groups
- They sleep in a mucus cocoon hidden in rockwork
Why Buy Red Head Fairy Wrasses From Aquamarine Aquaristic?
At Aquamarine Aquaristic, our fairy wrasses are carefully selected for health, feeding response, and colour quality before sale. We specialise in high-quality reef fish that adapt well to established aquarium systems.
Shop by category
Browse the full range.
Every category in the store - pick a path and dive in.
