Lineatus Fairy Wrasse Female

Overview

• The female Lineatus Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus lineatus) has a generally paler, more subdued coloration than the male, featuring multiple blue horizontal lines or dots across a body that is typically pink, lavender, or a pale orange. 

  Key Characteristics of a Female Lineatus Fairy Wrasse

  • Coloration: Females lack the brilliant, vibrant colors of the dominant males (who display intense blues, reds, yellows, and purples). Instead, their body is a more muted base color (pink/lavender/pale orange) covered in blue horizontal lines and spots that extend from the head towards the tail.
  • Fins: Her fins are typically yellow but are less decorative and ornate compared to the male’s, which are larger, more pointed, and feature elaborate blue speckles and red in the tail.
  • Size: Females are generally smaller than the males, which can grow up to 5 inches in length.
  • Ventral Fins: The male’s ventral (pelvic) fins are distinctly longer than the female’s. 

  Additional Information

  • Hermaphroditism: Lineatus Fairy Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning all juveniles start as females and the dominant female in a group can change sex to become a male if a male is not present.
  • Social Behavior: In the wild, they live in groups with one male and several females. If a female is the only one of her species in an aquarium, she will typically become a dominant male.
  • Aquarium Keeping: This species is known to jump, so a tight-fitting lid is essential for an aquarium. They are considered reef-safe and generally peaceful, though females may sometimes show aggression towards other females or smaller fish.

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