{"product_id":"earles-fairy-wrasse-male-cirrhilabrus-earlei","title":"Earle's Fairy Wrasse - Male","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe male Earle’s Fairy Wrasse, \u003cem\u003eCirrhilabrus earlei\u003c\/em\u003e, is a beautifully refined saltwater fish distinguished by its warm pink to reddish body and multiple deep red to purple horizontal stripes. Mature males display contrasting yellow around the operculum and forward portion of the dorsal fin, along with rich red fin markings and subtle lavender tones. When displaying, the coloration can intensify significantly, giving this small fairy wrasse an exceptionally vivid appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to deep reef habitats of the western central Pacific, including Palau and Micronesia, \u003cem\u003eCirrhilabrus earlei\u003c\/em\u003e occurs along mixed coral, rubble, and sand slopes at the bases of protected seaward reefs. It is naturally associated with mesophotic depths of approximately 60–110 meters, where it feeds on zooplankton above the reef. Its peaceful disposition, compact adult size, unusual coloration, and excellent coral compatibility make it a premium choice for established reef aquariums. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore \/ Planktivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Central Pacific, including Palau and Micronesia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCirrhilabrus earlei\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Earle’s Fairy Wrasse should be maintained in an established marine aquarium with ample open swimming room and abundant rockwork for shelter. Although the species remains relatively small, reaching roughly 3 inches in documented standard length, its active swimming behavior benefits from a 55-gallon or larger aquarium. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide caves, overhangs, and narrow crevices where the fish can retreat when frightened and rest at night. Unlike sand-burying wrasses, \u003cem\u003eCirrhilabrus\u003c\/em\u003e species normally seek shelter within reef structure, so a deep sand bed is not required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this species naturally occurs on deeper reef slopes, shaded retreats and areas protected from extremely intense lighting are beneficial, especially during acclimation. Moderate water movement, strong oxygenation, and excellent water quality are recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tightly fitted mesh or solid aquarium cover is essential. Fairy wrasses are accomplished jumpers and can escape through very small openings around plumbing, cables, and equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Earle’s Fairy Wrasse is primarily a planktivore, naturally feeding on zooplankton suspended above the reef. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped shrimp or clam, frozen plankton blends, and appropriately sized high-quality marine pellets. Small foods distributed through the water column encourage natural feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed two to three smaller meals per day when practical. Newly introduced specimens should be monitored closely to ensure they are feeding confidently, particularly after collection from their naturally deep-water habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Earle’s Fairy Wrasse is generally peaceful and is best maintained with other peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish. Suitable tankmates include clownfish, anthias, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, peaceful tangs, flasher wrasses, and compatible fairy wrasses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature males may display toward other fairy wrasses, especially similarly colored males. Multiple \u003cem\u003eCirrhilabrus\u003c\/em\u003e species can be kept successfully in sufficiently spacious aquariums when introductions and species combinations are planned carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive tankmates that may continually intimidate the wrasse, keep it hidden, or prevent normal feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Earle’s Fairy Wrasse is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. It does not normally damage healthy corals and is generally compatible with ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, clams, and other common reef invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts feeding behavior is focused primarily on small planktonic organisms in the water column rather than larger benthic invertebrates. Tiny copepods and other microcrustaceans may naturally be consumed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 73–78°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable conditions are more important than chasing exact numbers. Because this is naturally a deep-reef species, avoiding excessive temperatures and maintaining excellent oxygenation are particularly beneficial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeep-reef species:\u003c\/strong\u003e Naturally occurs at approximately 60–110 meters, so careful acclimation and shaded retreat areas are beneficial. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale coloration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mature males display pronounced red longitudinal striping with contrasting yellow and pink-red markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional jumping risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e A tightly fitted aquarium cover is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo deep sand bed required:\u003c\/strong\u003e This fairy wrasse normally shelters within rockwork rather than burying itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent feeding preferred:\u003c\/strong\u003e Several small meals of planktonic and protein-rich foods help maintain healthy body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Earle's Wrasse; Male; Mar","offer_id":52414679417130,"sku":"WRASSExEarleMar","price":1184.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S EACH","offer_id":52414679449898,"sku":"WRASSExEarleS","price":699.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM EACH","offer_id":52414679482666,"sku":"WRASSExEarleSM","price":839.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M EACH","offer_id":52414679515434,"sku":"WRASSExEarleM","price":979.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML EACH","offer_id":52414679548202,"sku":"WRASSExEarleML","price":1119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L EACH","offer_id":52414679580970,"sku":"WRASSExEarleL","price":1259.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL EACH","offer_id":52414679613738,"sku":"WRASSExEarleX","price":1399.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/EarlsWrasse_0aa130e4-6d54-49b2-a00d-9c7c1d735d55.png?v=1787932910","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/earles-fairy-wrasse-male-cirrhilabrus-earlei","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}