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About Whip Fin Fairy Wrasse

The Whip Fin Fairy Wrasse is a spectacular and active reef fish named for the long, whip-like filament extending from the male's dorsal fin. Males display vivid red, white, yellow and blue colouration, particularly when courting or displaying to other fish. Females are generally more subdued and may show a distinctive dark spot near the upper caudal peduncle.

This species is relatively small, reaching around 8 cm, but is an energetic midwater swimmer that adds plenty of movement to a reef aquarium. It naturally feeds on zooplankton and adapts readily to aquarium foods.

Whip Fin Fairy Wrasses are generally reef safe and peaceful, although males can become assertive towards other fairy wrasses and similarly shaped species. They are also excellent jumpers, so a secure lid or mesh cover is essential.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus filamentosus
Common Name: Whip Fin Fairy Wrasse / Whipfin Wrasse / Javan Fairy Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Type: Marine Fish / Fairy Wrasse
Adult Size: Approximately 8 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 120 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
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 Whip Fin Fairy Wrasses reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and will not normally bother corals.

How big does a Whip Fin Fairy Wrasse get?

They reach approximately 8 cm, making them a relatively small fairy wrasse.

What do Whip Fin Fairy Wrasses eat?

They naturally feed on zooplankton and readily accept mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood and quality marine pellets. Feeding two to three times daily is beneficial.

Can Whip Fin Fairy Wrasses be kept in groups?

Yes. A group consisting of one male with several females can work well in an appropriately sized aquarium. Multiple males may compete and become territorial.

Do Whip Fin 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 together
Males can become highly competitive with one another.

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

Feeding only once a day
Regular smaller meals better suit their active, planktivorous lifestyle.

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