Sailfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cf. isosceles)

The Sailfin Fairy Wrasse is a stunning, highly active reef fish known for its vibrant coloration, graceful swimming style, and the male’s impressive sail-like dorsal fin. This species is part of the fairy wrasse group, which are among the most colourful and reef-safe fish available in the hobby.

Sailfin Fairy Wrasses are peaceful, hardy in established systems, and constantly on the move, making them a true display fish for mature reef aquariums.

Scientific Name

Cirrhilabrus cf. isosceles (trade grouping / regional variation)

Common Names

• Sailfin Fairy Wrasse
• Sailfin Wrasse
• Fairy Wrasse (Sailfin variant)

Care Level

Easy to Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Reef Safe

Yes — completely reef safe

Minimum Tank Size

200L+

Maximum Size

Around 10–12cm

Lifespan

5–8+ years with proper care

Natural Habitat

Sailfin Fairy Wrasses are found throughout Indo-Pacific reef slopes and rubble zones where they swim above coral heads in loose groups. They are highly active mid-water swimmers, constantly darting in and out of the water column while feeding on plankton.

Males are typically more brightly coloured and display enlarged dorsal fins used for courtship and dominance displays.

Diet & Feeding

Fairy Wrasses are planktivores and require a varied, protein-rich diet.

Recommended Foods

• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp (enriched)
• Copepods and zooplankton foods
• Marine pellets (small size)
• High-quality frozen marine blends

Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions to match their active metabolism.

Water Parameters

Recommended Parameters

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026
• Temperature: 24–26°C
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia: 0ppm
• Nitrite: 0ppm
• Nitrate: <15ppm

Stable, oxygen-rich reef systems are ideal for long-term health and colour vibrancy.

Tank Setup

Sailfin Fairy Wrasses thrive in open reef aquariums with swimming space and secure hiding places.

Ideal Setup Includes

• Open water column for swimming
• Live rock with caves and crevices
• Moderate flow
• Secure lid (very strong jumper risk)
• Peaceful tank mates

They often sleep in rock crevices or mucus cocoons at night.

Compatibility

Sailfin Fairy Wrasses are excellent community reef fish.

Common Compatible Tank Mates

• Clownfish
• Tangs
• Blennies
• Gobies
• Dwarf angelfish
• Anthias
• Other peaceful wrasses (with proper hierarchy)

Use Caution With

• Aggressive wrasses (especially larger Halichoeres species)
• Predatory fish
• Very timid nano species in confined systems

They do best in peaceful to moderately active reef communities.

Common Mistakes

Not Using a Lid

Fairy wrasses are strong jumpers, especially when startled or during introduction.

Underfeeding

Their high metabolism requires regular small feedings. Poor feeding leads to weight loss quickly.

Keeping in Small Tanks

They need swimming space to express natural behaviour and maintain colour.

Mixing With Aggressive Wrasses Too Early

Hierarchy disputes can occur if introduced incorrectly.

Fun Facts

• Male Sailfin Fairy Wrasses develop dramatically larger and more colourful fins than females.
• They can change colour intensity depending on mood, breeding status, and environment.
• At night, they often sleep in a protective mucus cocoon inside rockwork.
• They are among the most active “open water” wrasses in reef aquariums.

Why Buy Sailfin Fairy Wrasses From Aquamarine Aquaristic?

At Aquamarine Aquaristic, our wrasses are carefully acclimated and observed for strong feeding response before sale. We prioritise healthy, active specimens that adapt quickly to reef aquariums and display their full natural coloration.