{"product_id":"katherines-fairy-wrasse","title":"Katherine's Fairy Wrasse - Female","description":"\u003cp\u003eKatherine’s Fairy Wrasse (\u003cem\u003eCirrhilabrus katherinae\u003c\/em\u003e) is a beautiful and relatively compact saltwater fish prized for its refined coloration, graceful swimming behavior, and excellent suitability for reef aquariums. Females and juveniles are predominantly warm orange-red, while mature males develop a more elaborate pattern with reddish coloration through the middle of the body, lighter areas along the back and belly, brilliant blue accents along the dorsal and anal fins, and elongated pelvic fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the western Pacific, including southern Japan, Guam, and the Mariana Islands, this species inhabits exposed outer reef environments where it swims above coral and rubble structure in search of zooplankton. Katherine’s Fairy Wrasse brings continuous movement and attractive coloration to a marine aquarium without becoming overly large, making it an appealing choice for established reef systems and peaceful fish-only aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally peaceful with unrelated species, this fairy wrasse can become territorial toward similar \u003cem\u003eCirrhilabrus\u003c\/em\u003e wrasses, particularly as males mature. Providing adequate swimming space, secure rockwork, and carefully selected tankmates helps this active species settle comfortably into the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 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 Pacific – Japan, Guam, and Mariana Islands\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCirrhilabrus katherinae\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature saltwater aquarium with substantial rockwork for shelter while leaving generous open areas for swimming. Caves, crevices, and overhangs allow the wrasse to retreat when startled and provide secure nighttime resting areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sand bed is not required because fairy wrasses typically sleep within rockwork rather than burying themselves. Moderate to strong, varied water movement is appropriate and complements the active swimming behavior of this outer-reef species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tight-fitting mesh screen or secure aquarium lid is essential. Katherine’s Fairy Wrasse is an accomplished jumper and may leave an uncovered aquarium when startled, chased, or newly introduced. Openings around plumbing, cables, and filtration equipment should also be secured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn its natural habitat, \u003cem\u003eCirrhilabrus katherinae\u003c\/em\u003e feeds primarily on small zooplankton captured from the water column. Aquarium specimens should receive a varied diet rich in appropriately sized marine proteins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer enriched mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped shrimp and other marine seafood, quality frozen marine blends, and appropriately sized marine pellets or flakes. Rotating several foods helps support healthy body condition and vibrant coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo to three smaller feedings per day are beneficial for this active planktivore when practical. Newly introduced specimens may initially prefer frozen or live-style foods before readily accepting prepared diets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatherine’s Fairy Wrasse is generally peaceful and well suited to community marine aquariums. Appropriate tankmates include gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, clownfish, peaceful angelfish, tangs, and other non-predatory species that will not continually intimidate it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome displaying, chasing, or territorial behavior may occur toward other fairy and flasher wrasses, particularly males with similar coloration or body shape. Multi-wrasse aquariums benefit from additional swimming space, numerous hiding areas, and carefully planned introductions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single specimen works well in most aquariums. In larger systems, it may also be maintained with compatible fairy wrasses or as part of a carefully managed mixed-sex group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatherine’s Fairy Wrasse is considered reef safe and does not normally damage or consume corals, clams, or other sessile reef organisms. Its small size and plankton-feeding behavior make it especially well suited to coral-dominated reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also generally compatible with ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other common reef invertebrates. Naturally occurring copepods and other tiny microcrustaceans may be consumed as part of its normal feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°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\u003eMaintain stable, well-oxygenated water with consistently good water quality. Stability is more important than targeting one exact value within these ranges, and sudden changes in salinity or temperature should be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJumping risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e A securely fitted mesh screen or aquarium lid is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful disposition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best maintained with peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish rather than highly aggressive tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWrasse compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Territorial behavior can occur toward similar fairy or flasher wrasses, especially between mature males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive feeding requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Benefits from multiple small meals of nutritious plankton-sized marine foods throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSexual coloration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Females and juveniles are more uniformly orange-red, while mature males develop stronger blue markings and elongated fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52463424897322,"sku":"WRASSExKatherF","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/topshelf-gemini-portrait-katherine-s-fairy-wrasse_1c7d2bb6-a5a8-4c72-bcb2-18796943654f.jpg?v=1788378083","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/katherines-fairy-wrasse","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}