Bluehead Fairy Wrasse

Overview

Characteristics and Habitat

• Coloration: The fish displays significant color variations based on location, age, and mood. Males typically feature an iridescent blue or purple front half with a red, maroon, or yellow rear half, sometimes with a distinct yellow patch near the pectoral fin. Females are generally more subdued in color, often red with a white belly.
• Size: They can grow up to 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) in length.
• Habitat: Native to the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean, the Bluehead Fairy Wrasse inhabits coral reefs at depths from 2 to 30 meters (6.6 to 98.4 ft), where they swim in schools foraging for zooplankton.
• Behavior: This species is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals start life as females and can change sex to become males, usually when the dominant male in a social group is removed. They are active fish and known for their “flashing” courtship displays. 

Aquarium Care

• Reef Safe: Yes, they are generally considered safe for reef aquariums and will not harm corals or sessile invertebrates. However, they may pose a risk to the smallest ornamental shrimp species.
• Tank Requirements: A minimum aquarium size of 75-90 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming room and rock work with plenty of crevices for hiding and resting.
• Lid Required: A tight-fitting lid is essential, as these wrasses are known to jump, especially when startled.
• Diet: They are carnivores, and their diet should include a variety of meaty foods, such as vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality marine flakes and pellets. Multiple small feedings per day are recommended due to their high metabolism.
• Compatibility: They are peaceful community fish but males can be aggressive toward other male fairy wrasses. It is best to keep one male per aquarium or a harem (one male with multiple females) introduced simultaneously.