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About Dotted Fairy Wrasse

The Dotted Fairy Wrasse, also known as the Finespot Wrasse or Fine-Spotted Fairy Wrasse, is a beautiful Australian-associated fairy wrasse covered in numerous small pink, blue and white spots. Males can develop particularly impressive colouration, with reddish upper-body tones, blue spotting and elongated pelvic fins.

This is an active but generally peaceful reef fish that spends much of its time swimming through the midwater above rockwork, searching for zooplankton. It is an excellent choice for a mature reef aquarium and can add considerable movement and colour to the display.

Dotted Fairy Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning individuals begin life as females and the dominant fish can transition into a male. They can naturally occur in groups consisting of a dominant male and several females.

As with most fairy wrasses, a secure lid or mesh cover is essential, as they are capable jumpers.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus punctatus
Common Name: Dotted Fairy Wrasse / Fine-Spotted Fairy Wrasse / Finespot Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Type: Marine Fish / Fairy Wrasse
Adult Size: Approximately 13 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 200–300 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Carnivore / Planktivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Upper Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Reef aquariums and peaceful marine community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dotted Fairy Wrasses reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and are well suited to coral reef aquariums.

How big does a Dotted Fairy Wrasse get?

They can reach approximately 13 cm in total length.

What do Dotted Fairy Wrasses eat?

In nature they feed primarily on zooplankton in the water column. In aquariums they readily accept mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood and quality marine pellets. Multiple smaller feedings are beneficial.

Can Dotted Fairy Wrasses be kept in groups?

Yes. They naturally form groups containing a dominant male and females. In captivity, a single male with multiple females can work well when aquarium size and compatibility allow.

Can Dotted Fairy Wrasses change sex?

Yes. They are protogynous hermaphrodites. The dominant female can transition into a male when required by the social structure.

Do Dotted Fairy Wrasses jump?

Yes. A tight-fitting lid or mesh screen is strongly recommended.

Common Mistakes

Leaving the aquarium uncovered
Fairy wrasses are notorious jumpers.

Keeping multiple males in a small aquarium
Males can compete for dominance and may become territorial.

Feeding only once a day
They are active planktivores and benefit from several smaller meals.

Keeping them with aggressive fish
Their peaceful temperament makes them vulnerable to harassment.

Not providing enough swimming space
They spend much of their time in the water column and need open areas above the rockwork.

Adding one to an unstable aquarium
A mature, stable reef system is preferable.