Fine Spotted Fairy Wrasse

Overview

Habitat and Characteristics

• Native Region: This species is found in the tropical reefs of the Western Pacific Ocean, including areas like Fiji, Indonesia, and Australia.
• Size and Lifespan: It can grow up to 5 inches (13 cm) in length and may live for 5-7 years or more in captivity.
• Coloration: The base color typically ranges from green, orange, or bronze, with a white underside, all adorned with fine white spots. Males are generally more colorful than females and can intensify their colors to various hues of blue, red, and yellow, especially during courtship displays.
• Temperament: The Fine Spotted Fairy Wrasse is a peaceful community fish, making it a suitable addition to most reef aquariums as it generally does not harm corals or invertebrates. 

Aquarium Care

• Tank Requirements: A minimum aquarium size of 50 to 90 gallons is recommended, providing ample live rock and crevices for hiding and resting. A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are known to jump when startled.
• Diet: They are carnivores and primarily feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans in the wild. In captivity, they should be offered a varied diet multiple times a day, including high-quality marine flakes and pellets, as well as frozen foods like vitamin-enriched mysis and brine shrimp.
• Reef Compatibility: They are considered reef-safe, though caution should be exercised with very small ornamental crustaceans, which they may view as prey.
• Social Behavior: They are typically found singly or in small schools in nature. In an aquarium setting, they can be kept in a harem (one male and several females) if introduced simultaneously. 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2″, Medium: 2″ to 3″, Large: 3″ to 4″; XLarge: 4″ to 5″ Pair: 2″ to 3″