Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse
Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse
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FAQs Answers to the most common questions.
Is this the same fish as Cirrhilabrus solorensis?
No. Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus was historically misidentified and traded as C. solorensis, and a 2021 taxonomic study described it as a distinct species from Sulawesi, Banggai and Wakatobi material while restricting true C. solorensis to a separately diagnosed fish.
Should this wrasse be kept singly or in a group?
Either a lone specimen or a harem of one male with several females works well. All group members should be introduced simultaneously to prevent territorial friction.
Is it safe with corals, shrimp and snails?
Yes. It is reef safe and does not nip corals or sessile invertebrates, and ornamental shrimp and snails are normally left alone.
All listed sizes are approximate, not guaranteed, and may vary slightly.
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse is a brilliantly colored saltwater fish prized for its aquamarine-to-teal body, warm yellow-orange head, dark indigo markings around the gill cover, and constantly active swimming behavior. The fish long familiar to marine aquarists under this common name is now recognized as Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus; older aquarium references and trade listings may still identify it as Cirrhilabrus solorensis, which is now recognized as a separate species.
Native to Indonesia, particularly eastern Sulawesi and the surrounding Banggai and Wakatobi islands, this fairy wrasse inhabits shallow reef environments with exposed rubble and coral structure. In the aquarium it spends much of the day cruising through open water, making its vivid coloration and energetic behavior highly visible. Its combination of manageable adult size, striking appearance, and excellent coral compatibility makes it an attractive choice for established reef aquariums as well as peaceful fish-only aquariums.
Although generally community-friendly, this is a confident fairy wrasse that can become assertive toward other Cirrhilabrus species, particularly males with similar coloration or body shape. Thoughtful tankmate selection and adequate swimming space are important when maintaining multiple wrasses.
Quick Care Guide
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Carnivore / Planktivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Region: Indonesia – eastern Sulawesi, Banggai and Wakatobi regions
Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus
Tank Requirements
Provide a mature marine aquarium with substantial rockwork for security while preserving plenty of open horizontal swimming space. Caves, crevices, overhangs, and shaded areas give the wrasse places to retreat when startled and secure locations for nighttime rest.
A sand bed is not required, as fairy wrasses shelter within rockwork rather than burying themselves. Moderate to strong, varied water movement is suitable, provided the aquarium includes protected areas around the reef structure.
A tightly fitted mesh screen or secure aquarium lid is essential. Fairy wrasses are powerful jumpers and may leave an uncovered aquarium when startled, chased, or newly introduced. Openings around plumbing, cables, and filtration equipment should also be covered.
Diet and Feeding
In nature, Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus feeds primarily on small planktonic organisms captured from the water column. Captive specimens should receive a varied, protein-rich marine diet.
Offer enriched mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped shrimp and other marine seafood, quality frozen blends, and appropriately sized marine pellets or flakes. Rotating several foods helps support strong coloration and healthy body condition.
Two to three smaller feedings per day are ideal for this active planktivore when the aquarium's nutrient-management system allows.
Temperament and Tankmates
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse is generally compatible with peaceful and moderately assertive community fish but tends to be bolder than some smaller fairy and flasher wrasses. Suitable companions can include gobies, blennies, clownfish, cardinalfish, tangs, peaceful angelfish, and other non-predatory marine species.
Additional care is recommended when mixing it with other fairy wrasses, especially males from closely related species. Displaying, chasing, and territorial behavior may occur, and adequate aquarium space and hiding areas become increasingly important in multi-wrasse systems.
Keeping a single specimen is appropriate for most aquariums. Larger systems can accommodate carefully selected wrasse combinations when introductions are managed appropriately.
Reef Compatibility
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse is considered reef safe. It does not normally consume or damage corals, clams, or other sessile reef organisms, making it an excellent addition to coral-dominated displays.
It is also generally compatible with ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other common cleanup-crew invertebrates. Its natural feeding behavior is focused primarily on small planktonic prey rather than larger ornamental invertebrates.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water with consistently good water quality. Avoid rapid changes in salinity, temperature, or other major parameters, particularly during acclimation.
Common Considerations
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Jumping risk: A securely fitted mesh screen or aquarium lid is essential.
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Active swimming behavior: Provide generous open swimming space along with substantial rockwork.
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Wrasse compatibility: Can be assertive toward other fairy wrasses, particularly similar-looking males.
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Regular feeding: Benefits from two or more small meals of quality meaty marine foods each day.
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Taxonomic update: The familiar aquarium-trade Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse is now recognized as Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus and may still appear under the older trade identification C. solorensis.
