Magma Fairy Wrasse - Male

The Magma Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus shutmani) is a compact, laterally compressed fairy wrasse endemic to the northern Philippines, where it was discovered on the volcanic rubble slopes surrounding Didicas Volcano in the Babuyan Islands at depths of roughly 50 to 70 meters. Coloration is dominated by intense red to orange-red across the body, with a dusky-red upper nape and vivid red dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. The caudal fin carries the species' most recognizable marking: bright yellow at the base grading into red toward the trailing edge. Unlike several close relatives, it lacks stripes along the upper and lower body, which makes identification straightforward once the fish has settled and is showing full color.

Adults are best housed in an established, well-filtered marine system of at least 55 gallons. Build the rockwork with caves, overhangs, and refuges so the fish has multiple bolt-holes, but leave generous open water along the front and upper portions of the tank, since this is a genuinely active midwater swimmer. Moderate flow suits it well. A tight-fitting canopy or gap-free mesh lid is not optional equipment for this species; fairy wrasses are accomplished jumpers and will find any opening. Because the species originates from deep reef slopes, it can be sensitive during its first weeks in a new system, so stable water chemistry and unhurried acclimation pay real dividends.

In the wild this wrasse is a carnivorous planktivore, picking zooplankton from the water column above rubble slopes rather than grazing the substrate. In captivity, replicate that pattern with a varied meaty menu: vitamin-enriched mysis and brine shrimp, copepods, cyclops, and other quality frozen marine preparations, supplemented with high-grade marine pellets or flakes once the fish is feeding confidently.

Small portions offered two to three times daily suit the fast metabolism of a planktivore better than one large meal. Newly acquired specimens are sometimes finicky and may ignore prepared foods at first. Live brine shrimp or live copepods are the most reliable tools for triggering an initial feeding response, after which most individuals transition readily to frozen and dry offerings.

Enriched Mysis Shrimp Enriched Brine Shrimp Copepods Cyclops Frozen Marine Preparations Marine Pellets Marine Flakes
This is a peaceful, consistently active fish that spends much of the day cruising open water and displaying over the rockwork. Newly introduced individuals often behave timidly, and that hesitancy becomes chronic if the fish is housed with large or boisterous tankmates. A calm reef community of similarly mannered fishes allows it to settle quickly, color up, and use the full volume of the aquarium.

The main compatibility caution involves its own relatives. Males can turn territorial toward other fairy and flasher wrasses, particularly similar-looking males, so a single male should be kept alone or with females added beforehand or simultaneously. Keeping multiple males together is inadvisable outside exceptionally large systems with abundant structure. Toward invertebrates the species is reef safe: it does not damage corals and coexists with clams and most ornamental invertebrates, though very small mobile invertebrates could occasionally be taken by an opportunistic feeder.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Magma Fairy Wrasse

  • What minimum aquarium size does a Magma Fairy Wrasse need?
    Plan on an established marine aquarium of at least 55 gallons. It should combine open swimming lanes with plenty of live-rock shelter and be sealed with a tight lid.
  • Is the Magma Fairy Wrasse safe for a reef aquarium?
    Yes, it is reef safe and will not harm corals, clams, or most ornamental invertebrates. Very small mobile invertebrates may occasionally be taken by opportunistic feeding.
  • Can more than one Magma Fairy Wrasse be kept together?
    A single male may be housed alone or with females introduced before or at the same time. Multiple males should be avoided except in exceptionally large systems with abundant refuges.