Labout’s Fairy Wrasse

Overview

Physical Appearance

• A body featuring a blend of red, orange, and yellow hues on the upper half, with a pale or silvery-white lower half.
• A unique blue marking (cap) covering the nose and forehead area.
• Colors that can vary in intensity depending on the fish’s mood or during courting displays.
• A maximum length of around 5 to 6 inches (12 cm) when fully mature. 

Habitat and Care Requirements

Key considerations for aquarists:

• Covered Aquarium: These fish are known jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid or canopy is essential to prevent escapes.
• Aquascape: Provide ample live rock with plenty of caves and hiding spots to mimic their natural coral reef environment.
• Diet: In the wild, they primarily feed on zooplankton. In captivity, they should be offered a varied diet of vitamin-enriched frozen and flake foods multiple times a day to maintain their health and color.
• Compatibility: A single male can be housed with a group of females, provided the females are introduced first or at the same time as the male. They typically get along well with other non-aggressive species like cardinalfish and blennies. 

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