Blue Throat Fairy Wrasse

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The Blue Throat Fairy Wrasse is a stunning marine fish admired for its vibrant orange-red body, elegant fins and distinctive blue throat markings, particularly visible in mature males. Its graceful swimming style and brilliant colouration make it a beautiful addition to established reef aquariums.

Scientifically known as Cirrhilabrus cyanogularis, this fairy wrasse originates from the Western Pacific, including waters around Indonesia and the Philippines. It is an active, open-water swimmer that brings constant movement and colour to a marine aquarium. Males generally display more intense colours than females, with their blue throat markings becoming particularly striking during courtship and social displays. 

Blue Throat Fairy Wrasses are generally peaceful towards unrelated tank mates and are considered reef-safe. They can coexist with many corals and marine invertebrates, although very small crustaceans may occasionally be targeted. Males may also become territorial towards other fairy wrasses, so compatibility and aquarium size should be considered when planning your stocking.

Provide plenty of live rock with caves and crevices for shelter, along with open swimming space. A tightly fitting aquarium lid is essential because fairy wrasses are capable jumpers. Like many wrasses, they may settle into a sheltered crevice or bury themselves in suitable sand when resting.

These carnivorous fish benefit from frequent, varied feeding. Offer marine pellets, quality flakes and frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp and finely chopped seafood. Feeding small portions several times daily helps support their energy levels, condition and vibrant colouration.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus cyanogularis

• Common Names: Blue Throat Fairy Wrasse, Blue-Throated Fairy Wrasse, Sailfin Fairy Wrasse

• Origin: Western Pacific, including Indonesia and the Philippines

• Care Level: Moderate

• Adult Size: Approximately 10–13 cm

• Aquarium Size: Around 230–300 litres or larger

• Temperature: 24–27°C

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: Approximately 1.023–1.026 SG

• Diet: Carnivore / planktivore

• Temperament: Generally peaceful; may be territorial towards similar wrasses

• Swimming Level: Middle to upper

• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe

• Aquarium Type: Marine reef or community aquarium

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Blue Throat Fairy Wrasses reef-safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef-safe and usually leave corals alone. However, tiny ornamental crustaceans may occasionally be eaten.

2. How big do Blue Throat Fairy Wrasses grow?

They typically reach around 10–13 cm, depending on the individual and source.

3. What do Blue Throat Fairy Wrasses eat?

They eat small meaty foods, including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, marine pellets and quality flakes.

4. Can I keep more than one fairy wrasse?

Yes, in suitable aquariums with careful species and sex selection. Males can be territorial, so avoid mixing competing males in smaller systems.

5. Do Blue Throat Fairy Wrasses need a sand bed?

A suitable sand bed can provide a natural resting option. Provide plenty of rockwork and sheltered crevices as well.

6. Do Blue Throat Fairy Wrasses jump?

Yes. A secure, tightly fitting lid is strongly recommended to prevent accidental escapes.

Common Mistakes

• Keeping the fish in an aquarium without a secure lid.

• Feeding too infrequently or offering an insufficiently varied diet.

• Combining competing male fairy wrasses in a small aquarium.

• Introducing the fish to an unstable or immature marine system.

• Providing insufficient shelter and open swimming space.

• Assuming all small ornamental shrimp are completely safe.