Red-scaled fairy wrasse

The red-scaled fairy wrasse is a marine wrasse (family Labridae) from the Indian Ocean, particularly around the Maldives and neighboring reefs. Males are spectacular, with a red to reddish body accented by blue and pink, and they flash brighter nuptial colors during display; females are more subdued. It is a peaceful, active fish that is reef-safe and adds constant movement to the upper water column. It can be kept singly or as one male with several females, and generally coexists with other calm reef species. A well-established reef with live rock, open swimming room, and a secure lid is important, as fairy wrasses are prone to jumping. It is a carnivore and planktivore feeding on zooplankton and small crustaceans, and should be offered frequent feedings of enriched frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.