Katherina Fairy Wrasse

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About Katherina Fairy Wrasse

The Katherina Fairy Wrasse, also known as Katherine's Fairy Wrasse, is a stunning small reef fish from the western Pacific. Males develop particularly impressive colouration, with rich red and pink tones, contrasting white areas and vivid blue highlights on the fins. Females are generally more uniformly orange-red and may display a dark spot near the tail.

This peaceful and active wrasse spends much of its time swimming through the midwater above the rockwork, searching for small planktonic foods. It is an excellent choice for established reef aquariums and is generally compatible with corals and most reef inhabitants.

Katherina Fairy Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they begin life as females and the dominant individual can transition into a male. They can be kept individually or as a male with several females in a suitably sized aquarium.

Like most fairy wrasses, they are excellent jumpers, so a secure lid or mesh cover is strongly recommended.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus katherinae
Common Name: Katherina Fairy Wrasse / Katherine's Fairy Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Type: Marine Fish / Fairy Wrasse
Adult Size: Approximately 7–10 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 200 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 Katherina Fairy Wrasses reef safe?

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

How big does a Katherina Fairy Wrasse get?

FishBase records a maximum length of approximately 7.1 cm standard length, although aquarium sources may give larger overall-length estimates.

What do Katherina Fairy Wrasses eat?

They are carnivorous planktivores and readily accept mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, chopped seafood and quality marine pellets. Several smaller meals throughout the day are ideal.

Can Katherina Fairy Wrasses be kept in groups?

Yes. A single male with several females can work well in an appropriately sized aquarium. Multiple males may compete with one another.

Can Katherina Fairy Wrasses change sex?

Yes. Like other fairy wrasses, they are protogynous hermaphrodites. A dominant female can transition into a male when required by the social hierarchy.

Do Katherina Fairy Wrasses jump?

Yes. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential to prevent escapes.

Common Mistakes

Leaving the aquarium uncovered
Fairy wrasses are notorious jumpers.

Keeping multiple males together in a small aquarium
Males can compete aggressively for dominance.

Feeding only once per day
Their active, planktivorous lifestyle benefits from multiple 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 appreciate open areas above the rockwork.

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