Magma Fairy Wrasse - Male

The male Magma Fairy Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus shutmani, is a spectacular small saltwater fish distinguished by intense crimson, scarlet, and fiery red coloration. Mature males develop particularly saturated color across the head and body, with bright red dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins and a distinctive caudal fin featuring yellow coloration toward the base transitioning into rich red distally. During social or courtship displays, males can intensify their coloration further, creating an exceptional centerpiece for a refined reef aquarium.

Native to the northern Philippines, this species is known from the deep volcanic reef slopes surrounding Didicas Volcano in the Babuyan Islands. It occurs over steep rubble habitat at mesophotic depths, where fairy wrasses remain active above reef structure and feed primarily on small planktonic organisms carried through the water column.

Despite its small adult size, the Magma Fairy Wrasse is an energetic, continuously swimming marine aquarium fish that benefits from ample open water and secure rockwork. Its brilliant male coloration, peaceful temperament, and excellent coral compatibility make it particularly desirable for established reef aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Planktivore / Carnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Region: Northern Philippines – Babuyan Islands
Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus shutmani

Tank Requirements

Provide a mature aquarium with abundant live rock for shelter combined with generous open swimming space. Caves, overhangs, and shaded retreats give the wrasse secure places to rest and retreat when startled, while open areas allow the active swimming behavior typical of Cirrhilabrus species.

A tightly fitted lid or fine mesh cover is essential. Fairy wrasses are accomplished jumpers and may launch from even small openings, particularly during acclimation, feeding, or interactions with tankmates.

Moderate water movement, strong oxygenation, and stable water quality are recommended. Because the Magma Fairy Wrasse naturally occurs on deeper reef slopes, subdued areas within the aquascape can help newly introduced specimens acclimate comfortably to aquarium lighting.

Diet and Feeding

The Magma Fairy Wrasse is primarily a planktivore that naturally feeds on small organisms suspended in the water column.

Offer a varied diet including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, calanus, finely chopped marine seafood, and high-quality frozen plankton blends. Small marine pellets and appropriately sized flakes can also be incorporated once the fish is feeding confidently.

Two to three smaller feedings per day are preferable when practical. Foods that remain suspended briefly in the water column encourage natural feeding behavior and give this active wrasse repeated opportunities to feed.

Temperament and Tankmates

The male Magma Fairy Wrasse is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and works well with appropriately sized reef community species such as gobies, blennies, anthias, cardinalfish, clownfish, peaceful tangs, and other non-aggressive wrasses.

Some territorial behavior may occur toward closely related fairy wrasses, particularly males with similar coloration or body shape. Introductions should be planned carefully when maintaining multiple Cirrhilabrus species.

A male can be maintained singly or as part of a carefully planned fairy wrasse community in a sufficiently spacious aquarium. Avoid aggressive tankmates that may continually chase or intimidate this relatively small species.

Reef Compatibility

The Magma Fairy Wrasse is considered reef safe. It does not normally nip at healthy stony corals, soft corals, zoanthids, clams, or other sessile reef organisms.

Established ornamental shrimp, crabs, and snails are generally compatible. Very small crustaceans and planktonic microfauna may naturally be consumed as part of its feeding behavior, but this does not normally present a concern in a mature reef aquarium.

Its small size, active swimming behavior, and lack of coral-feeding tendencies make it particularly well suited to coral-focused displays.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 75–79°F
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Stable temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels are more important than maintaining an exact value within these ranges.

Common Considerations

• Secure lid required: Fairy wrasses are exceptionally capable jumpers, and even small uncovered openings can result in escape.

• Male coloration: Mature males display the species' strongest crimson-red coloration and distinctive yellow-and-red tail.

• Deep-reef origin: Newly introduced specimens may appreciate sheltered or moderately shaded areas while adjusting to aquarium lighting.

• Frequent feeding: Several smaller meals of planktonic marine foods help maintain body condition and coloration.

• Wrasse compatibility: Use care when combining multiple male fairy wrasses, particularly closely related or similarly colored species.