Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse

Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse

Also known as: Blueheaded Fairy Wrasse, Purplehead Fairy Wrasse, Bluehead Wrasse, Yellow-Flanked Fairy Wrasse

The Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse is a stunning and active species featuring vibrant blue sides with reddish-maroon body coloration. With wide geographic distribution comes significant color variation by location. This peaceful, reef-safe wrasse is perfect for community aquariums and adds graceful movement throughout the tank.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura
• Common Names: Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse, Blueheaded Fairy Wrasse, Purplehead Fairy Wrasse, Yellow-Flanked Fairy Wrasse
• Adult Size: Up to 5-6 inches
• Lifespan: 4-7 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum (90 gallons preferred)
• Experience Level: Moderate; requires established tank

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Requires an established aquarium with a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through and around. Provide ample swimming space with open areas for cruising. Moderate to deep sand bed beneficial as they burrow at night when sleeping. The well-established tank offers microinvertebrates for supplemental feeding.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.0-8.4
  • Not tolerant of nitrite or ammonia spikes
  • Excellent water quality essential
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • High-quality protein skimmer
  • Efficient filtration system
  • Moderate to strong water circulation
  • Tight-fitting lid (known jumpers)

Diet & Feeding

Blue Sided Fairy Wrasses are carnivores with high metabolisms, actively hunting tiny crustaceans throughout the day. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine flake food, marine pellets
• Frozen Foods: Vitamin-enriched mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, mixed frozen foods containing spirulina and algae
• Live Foods: Copepods, amphipods (from established tank)
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily (multiple small feedings preferred)
• Special Note: Highly recommended to soak frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements due to high metabolism

Notes & Considerations

• Male coloration features a reddish-maroon body with distinctive blue patch, olive face, and pale underside.
• Initial phase individuals and females are reddish-maroon overall without distinct blue patches.
• Wide geographic distribution means significant color variation depending on collection location.
• Similar in appearance to Yellow-flanked Fairy Wrasse, but lacks yellow patch behind pectoral fin.
• Generally peaceful but may show aggression toward other wrasse species.
• Pose no threat to corals or most invertebrates; reef safe.
• May view small ornamental shrimp and crustaceans as prey.
• Can be kept in schools of 4+ individuals in larger aquariums (wild schooling species).
• Will school with other peaceful species like Chromis and Anthias.
• Best added before larger or more active fish to allow proper acclimation.
• Should not be kept with larger aggressive fish or predatory species.
• Sleep in sand substrate or between rocks in mucus cocoon (like parrotfish).
• Secure lid essential; known jumpers especially when startled.
• Colors intensify during courtship displays.
• Sequential hermaphrodites; females can change to males.

Why Choose a Quarantined Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this active and beautiful species.