Bluesided Fairy Wrasse- Indonesia

Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura

The Bluesided Fairy Wrasse is a vibrant and active reef-safe wrasse known for its striking coloration and peaceful temperament, making it a standout addition to any saltwater aquarium. Males are typically larger and more colorful than females. Females are mostly red all over, while males have a bluer to green head. These wrasses thrive in aquariums with ample rockwork that offers hiding spots such as caves and crevices. Unlike many wrasses, they do not bury themselves in the sand at night. Instead, they either wedge into rock crevices or form a mucus cocoon—similar to parrotfish—for protection while sleeping. The cocoon remnants do not affect water quality or aquarium inhabitants. A tight-fitting lid is recommended, as they may jump. Peaceful and reef-safe, Bluesided Fairy Wrasse are excellent additions to community aquariums. As carnivores, they require a varied diet of enriched meaty foods—like mysis shrimp, squid, clams, fish, or specialized carnivore preparations—fed at least twice daily. They can grow up to 6 inches and need a minimum aquarium size of 70 gallons. Native to the Indo-West Pacific, they are found from Southern Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Great Barrier Reef, Similan Islands, Andaman Sea and the Christmas Islands typically on rocky bottoms near lagoon and channel edges at depths of up to 65 feet.