Lined fairy wrasse

The lined fairy wrasse is a small reef wrasse in the family Labridae, found in the western Pacific. It lives on outer reef slopes, often in loose aggregations. Mature males are spectacular, with a deep red to maroon body crossed by bright blue-green horizontal lines and pastel highlights that intensify dramatically during display. Females are more subdued reddish-orange. It is peaceful and reef-safe, making it a prized addition to community reef aquariums. It needs a covered tank, as fairy wrasses are prone to jumping, along with live rock, some open water, and calm tankmates. It feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans and should be offered frequent meaty foods such as mysis and enriched brine. One male with several females can be kept in larger systems. Suited to intermediate keepers.