Brunneus Fairy Wrasse - Cirrhilabrus brunneus

Brunneus Fairy Wrasse

$149.99
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Brunneus Fairy Wrasse - Cirrhilabrus brunneus

Brunneus Fairy Wrasse

$149.99
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Quick Specs

Cirrhilabrus brunneus
Care Level
Shop saltwater fish by care level: Easy
Min Tank Size
Shop saltwater fish by min tank size: 50 gal
Adult Size
Shop saltwater fish by adult size: 3 in
Temperament
Shop saltwater fish by temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe
Shop saltwater fish by reef safe: Yes
Diet
Shop saltwater fish by diet: Carnivore
Origin
Western Pacific
Description
This is not a WYSIWYG fish. You will receive a similar fish, but coloration and pattern may vary.
All listed sizes are approximate, not guaranteed, and may vary slightly.

Introduction to Saltwater Wrasse

Wrasses are fast-swimming, intelligent reef fish known for their striking coloration, active behavior, and diverse personalities. Found in coral reefs and sandy lagoons, these fish thrive in aquariums with rockwork and open swimming space. Many wrasses also serve as natural pest controllers, preying on small invertebrates like bristle worms and pyramid snails. With over 600 species, wrasses range from peaceful reef-safe fish to semi-aggressive predators, making species selection crucial when adding them to an aquarium.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Easy to Moderate – Requires a secure aquarium and proper tankmates Minimum Tank Size: 50 – 125+ gallons Smaller species (e.g., Six-Line Wrasse) – 50+ gallons Larger species (e.g., Harlequin Tusk Wrasse) – 125+ gallons Aquarium Setup: Requires live rock, hiding spots, and a sand bed for burrowing species Wrasses are active and curious, needing ample swimming room. Some species, like the Melanurus Wrasse, prefer a sand bed to burrow in at night.

Diet & Nutrition

Wrasses are carnivorous and require a varied diet of meaty foods to maintain their health and coloration. Diet: Carnivorous – Prefers small invertebrates and protein-rich foods

Recommended Foods:

Mysis shrimp and brine shrimp High-quality marine pellets and flakes Copepods, amphipods, and live prey for finicky eaters Regular feedings enhance their coloration and natural pest-control abilities in reef aquariums.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 5-10+ years Growth Rate: Moderate – Most species reach 4-8 inches, but some exceed 12 inches With proper care and a nutritious diet, wrasses can live over a decade in captivity.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive – Varies by species

Common Challenges & Considerations

Jumping Risk: Wrasses are notorious jumpers—a tight-fitting lid is mandatory. Potential Coral Nipping: Some wrasses may pick at small invertebrates or corals. Burrowing Behavior: Sand-dwelling wrasses require a soft sand bed to sleep in at night. Water Conditions Temperature: 74-80°F dKH (Alkalinity): 8-12 pH: 8.1-8.4 Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025 Wrasses thrive in stable, high-quality reef conditions with strong water flow and oxygenation.

Color Varieties & Popular Species

Wrasses come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a stunning addition to saltwater aquariums. Six-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) – Vibrant purple and orange stripes, known for being territorial Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) – Excellent pest controller, with green and orange markings Radiant Wrasse (Halichoeres iridis) – Striking yellow and red coloration, peaceful nature Christmas Wrasse (Halichoeres claudia) – Beautiful red and green coloration, active and playful

FAQs Common questions about Brunneus Fairy Wrasse

What aquarium size should I plan for?

Plan on 50 gallons as a practical minimum for an adult, since this is a highly active swimmer. A larger footprint provides more open swimming space and greater margin for stocking.

Is the Dusky Brunneus Fairy Wrasse safe in a coral reef aquarium?

Yes, it is reef compatible and leaves corals, polyps, and most invertebrates alone. Very small crustaceans such as sexy shrimp remain a potential risk.

How do I recognize this fish and avoid confusing it with related fairy wrasses?

Look for a male with a dusky-brown to nearly black body, bronze or yellow underside, dark fins, blue highlights, and a crescent tail with produced lobes. Coloration shifts with mood, and the species is closely associated with the lunatus complex, so identification deserves extra scrutiny.
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SKU: WRASSExBrunneus

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