Does the Lineatus Fairy Wrasse need to be kept in a group?

No, they do perfectly well as a solitary specimen in a home aquarium. If you wish to keep a group, it must consist of one male and multiple females introduced simultaneously.

Is this wrasse completely reef safe?

Yes, they are 100% reef safe. They feed exclusively on planktonic organisms in the water column and will ignore corals, clams, and ornamental invertebrates.

Why is my male Lineatus Fairy Wrasse losing its bright colours?

Colour loss in male fairy wrasses can occur due to a lack of dietary variety or the absence of female wrasses. Without females to display to, dominant males sometimes slowly revert to a duller, sub-male colouration.

Why is a tight lid so important?

In the wild, their primary defence mechanism against predators is to dart upwards at lightning speed. In an aquarium, this instinct makes them highly prone to jumping out of the tank.

Can I keep a Lineatus with a Sixline Wrasse?

It is generally not recommended. Sixline Wrasses can be highly territorial and aggressive, and they often harass peaceful fairy wrasses relentlessly.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Lineatus Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus lineatus

The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse, originating from the Coral Sea, is a highly sought-after marine species celebrated for its intense, neon-lined colouration and peaceful disposition.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 26 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 15 – 22 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 10 – 12 cm
300L minimum for an active adult: 300 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Carnivore / Planktivore
Water flow: Moderate to high
Preferred setup: Live rock with ample open swimming space and a tight-fitting jump guard

About the Lineatus Fairy Wrasse

Widely regarded as one of the most magnificent members of the Cirrhilabrus genus, the Lineatus Fairy Wrasse boasts a mesmerising pattern of yellow-orange lines over a purplish-lavender body. First described in 1982, this species hails primarily from the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. In the home aquarium, its constant, graceful movement brings dynamic energy to the middle and upper water columns.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Lineatus Fairy Wrasse comes from

Native range

Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef

Countries / regions

Australia, New Caledonia

Habitat

Outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and rubble zones at depths of 20 to 60 metres.

Most specimens in the aquarium trade are sourced from Australia or New Caledonia.

Similar species

Rhomboid Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus rhomboidalis
Flame Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus jordani
Pintail Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus isosceles

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Peaceful herbivores that occupy different dietary niches and will not bother the wrasse.
Great
Lyretail Anthias
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Active, peaceful planktivores that create a lively upper-water dynamic without direct aggression.
Great
Tailspot Blenny
Ecsenius stigmatura
A small, peaceful bottom-dweller that keeps to the rockwork and completely ignores the wrasse.
Great
Sixline Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Often highly aggressive and territorial towards newly introduced or more peaceful wrasses.
Compatible with caution
Other Fairy Wrasses
Cirrhilabrus spp.
Males of closely related species may fight in confined spaces; mixing requires a very large tank and careful introduction.
Compatible with caution
Lionfish
Pterois volitans
The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse will eventually become an expensive meal for any predatory fish large enough to swallow it.
Not recommended

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