Do I need to keep Naoko's Fairy Wrasse in a group?

No, they can be kept perfectly well as a solitary male. If you wish to keep more than one, you must keep a single male with a harem of several females in a very large aquarium to diffuse any territorial aggression.

Are they safe to keep with corals and shrimp?

Yes, Naoko's Fairy Wrasse is completely reef-safe. They feed on small plankton in the water column and will completely ignore your corals, clams, and decorative shrimp.

Why did my Naoko's Fairy Wrasse jump out of the tank?

Fairy wrasses have a strong natural instinct to burst upwards and jump when startled, bullied, or during breeding displays. A tight-fitting lid or mesh net is an absolute necessity for keeping this species.

How can I tell the difference between a male and female Naoko's Fairy Wrasse?

Adult males are vibrantly coloured with a distinct red, white, and black tricolour pattern and feature long trailing pelvic fins. Females and juveniles are much more subdued, typically displaying a muted pinkish-red hue.

What should I feed my fairy wrasse to keep its colours bright?

A varied, high-quality diet is key. Offer them frequent small meals consisting of vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality colour-enhancing pellets to maintain their vivid appearance.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Naoko's Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus naokoae

A stunning, highly active reef-safe marine fish known for the vibrant tricolour patterning of dominant males.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 14 – 22 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 6 – 8 cm
Standard adult setup: 200 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Reef or marine tank with ample live rock for hiding and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping.

About the Naoko's Fairy Wrasse

Cirrhilabrus naokoae, commonly known as Naoko's Fairy Wrasse, is a remarkably colourful and energetic marine fish highly prized by aquarists. Originating from the eastern Indian Ocean, this relatively recent addition to the hobby boasts a striking tricolour pattern in adult males. They are active swimmers that bring a constant splash of vibrant motion to the upper and middle levels of a marine aquarium. Due to their peaceful nature and reef-safe credentials, they are an excellent choice for a vibrant community setup.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Naoko's Fairy Wrasse comes from

Native range

Eastern Indian Ocean, Mentawai Islands

Countries / regions

Indonesia

Habitat

Outer reef slopes and rubble zones with moderate water currents.

Most wild specimens found in the hobby are collected from the coastal waters of Sumatra.

Similar species

Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus lubbocki
Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus exquisitus

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

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Both are peaceful, community-friendly marine fish that inhabit different areas of the tank without competing for territory.
Great
Royal Gramma
Gramma loreto
A peaceful rock-dweller that will not bother the active, mid-water swimming wrasse.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
A peaceful herbivore that ignores planktivorous wrasses, coexisting perfectly in sufficiently large aquariums.
Great
Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse
Paracheilinus carpenteri
Males of similar shape and colour can trigger territorial aggression from a male Naoko's Fairy Wrasse.
Compatible with caution
Volitan Lionfish
Pterois volitans
A large predator that can easily swallow small, slender fish like fairy wrasses whole.
Not recommended
Six Line Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Highly aggressive and territorial towards other wrasses; likely to relentlessly bully and stress the peaceful fairy wrasse.
Not recommended

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