Longfin Ruby Wrasse

About Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse

The Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse is a stunning marine fish known for its vibrant ruby-red to orange body, pale underside and electric blue markings. Males can develop particularly spectacular colouration, with elongated dorsal and pelvic fins that give this species its distinctive long-fin appearance.

This is a relatively small fairy wrasse from the Central Indian Ocean, including Sri Lanka and the Maldives. It is a peaceful, active species that adds constant movement and colour to a reef aquarium.

Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasses are generally reef safe and can be kept with corals. They appreciate plenty of live rock with caves and crevices for shelter and resting. Like other fairy wrasses, they are also known to jump, so a secure aquarium lid is strongly recommended.

They have a high metabolism and should be fed a varied diet containing quality marine pellets and flakes alongside frozen or live meaty foods such as mysis and brine shrimp.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus rubeus
Common Name: Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Type: Marine Fish / Fairy Wrasse
Adult Size: Approximately 5–8 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 120–200 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Carnivore / Omnivore
Tank Level: Midwater to Upper Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Reef aquariums and peaceful marine community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasses reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and are an excellent addition to coral aquariums.

How big do Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasses get?

FishBase records a maximum of around 5.4 cm standard length, although aquarium retailers commonly list specimens up to around 8 cm depending on measurement and sex.

Can Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasses be kept in groups?

Yes. Fairy wrasses can be kept in groups or harems, with one male and multiple females being a possible arrangement in a suitably sized aquarium. Males may develop from females through sex change.

Do Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasses jump?

Yes. A tight-fitting lid or covered aquarium is strongly recommended.

What do Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasses eat?

Provide a varied diet of quality marine pellets and flakes along with frozen or live meaty foods such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp. Several smaller meals can be beneficial for this active fish.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in an uncovered aquarium
Fairy wrasses are notorious jumpers. Always use a secure lid or appropriately covered system.

Not providing enough rockwork
Caves and crevices provide important shelter and resting areas.

Feeding too infrequently
Their active lifestyle means they benefit from regular feeding rather than one large meal.

Keeping them with aggressive fish
They are peaceful and can be intimidated by highly aggressive tank mates.

Assuming every specimen will look identical
Colouration can vary with sex, age, location and individual condition. Males generally display the most impressive colours.