Pintail Fairy Wrasse

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About Pintail Fairy Wrasse

The Pintail Fairy Wrasse is a stunning and highly sought-after reef fish named for the distinctive elongated, pintail-shaped tail of mature males. Males display vibrant pink, red, orange and purple colouration, often becoming particularly intense when displaying to females or rival males.

Pintail Fairy Wrasses are peaceful, active swimmers that spend much of their time moving through the open water above the rockwork. Their small size and spectacular colouration make them an excellent choice for established reef aquariums.

Like other fairy wrasses, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning individuals begin life as females and the dominant individual can transition into a male.

They are generally reef safe and will leave corals and most ornamental invertebrates alone. A secure lid or mesh cover is essential, as they are capable jumpers.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus isosceles
Common Name: Pintail Fairy Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Type: Marine Fish / Fairy Wrasse
Adult Size: Approximately 10–12 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 150 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 Pintail Fairy Wrasses reef safe?

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

Why is it called a Pintail Fairy Wrasse?

Mature males develop an unusual elongated tail shape, giving the species its distinctive pintail appearance.

What do Pintail Fairy Wrasses eat?

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

Can Pintail Fairy Wrasses be kept in groups?

Yes. A group consisting of one male with several females can work well in a suitably sized aquarium. Multiple males may compete for dominance.

Can Pintail Fairy Wrasses change sex?

Yes. They are protogynous hermaphrodites. Individuals begin life as females and the dominant female can transition into a male.

Do Pintail Fairy Wrasses jump?

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

Common Mistakes

Leaving the aquarium uncovered
Fairy wrasses are excellent jumpers.

Keeping multiple males in a small aquarium
Male competition can result in territorial behaviour.

Feeding only once per day
Their active lifestyle benefits from several smaller meals.

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

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

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