Blue Throat Fairy Wrasse: Hardy and Color-Saturated

The Blue Throat Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanogularis), often called the Blue Throat Sailfin Fairy Wrasse, is a stunning and relatively hardy species of Cirrhilabrus. While only formally described in 2018, it has been a favorite in the aquarium trade for years due to its peaceful nature and spectacular, saturated coloration.

This species is highly active and exhibits brilliant sexual dimorphism:

• Males feature a complex, beautiful color pattern that usually includes a red to orange body, red-orange fins, and, most distinctively, a vibrant, iridescent electric blue spot or stripe on the chin/throat area (the source of its common name). The fins, particularly the dorsal and anal fins, may be elongated and resemble a sail when displaying.
• Females and juveniles are generally more uniform and less boldly colored, often possessing an overall orange-red or subtle pink hue.

Like other Fairy Wrasses, the male will frequently engage in a temporary, intense color change known as "flashing" to display for females or rivals.

Care & Compatibility

• Size: Reaches a manageable size of 4–5 inches (10–13 cm).
• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 70 gallons is recommended to accommodate its active, mid-water swimming habits. Larger tanks (90+ gallons) are best if keeping a group or mixing with other wrasses.
• Temperament: Peaceful and Active. The Blue Throat Fairy Wrasse is non-aggressive towards most tankmates and makes an excellent community fish. It can, however, be aggressive toward other males of its own species or closely related Cirrhilabrus wrasses. It's best kept as a single male or in a harem (one male and multiple females) introduced simultaneously.
• Reef Compatibility: 100% Reef Safe. This wrasse is a dedicated zooplankton feeder and will not harm corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates. It may prey on tiny microfauna but is safe with ornamental shrimp and snails.
• Diet: Carnivore/Zooplankton Feeder. Given its high metabolism and constant activity, it requires a varied, meaty diet offered in small quantities 3-4 times per day. Feed high-quality enriched frozen foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods) and quality marine pellets or flakes.
• Tank Requirements:
  • Lid: A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential. Fairy Wrasses are notorious jumpers, particularly when startled.
  • Hiding Spots: Provide ample live rock structure with caves and crevices for security and sleeping. They do not burrow in the sand; they sleep wedged into rockwork or in a mucus cocoon.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus cyanogularis
• Primary Common Name: Blue Throat Fairy Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Blue Throat Sailfin Fairy Wrasse
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines, Great Barrier Reef)
• Max Size: 5 inches (13 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Active (Territorial with other male Cirrhilabrus)
• Diet: Carnivore/Zooplankton Feeder (Needs multiple daily feedings)
• Minimum Tank Size: 70 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Safe with all corals and invertebrates)