Cirrhilabrus Lubbocki (Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse)

Overview

• Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly found around coral reefs and rocky outcrops.
• Distinguished by its vibrant coloration, with a mix of red, blue, and yellow hues that intensify with age.
• A peaceful and active species, making it a great addition to reef aquariums.
• Typically observed swimming near the reef surface, displaying energetic movements and social behaviors.
• Best suited for an aquarium with stable water conditions, plenty of swimming space, and live rock structures.

Feeding

• Carnivorous, feeding primarily on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild.
• Thrives on a diet of high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
• Readily accepts pellet and flake foods enriched with vitamins and protein.
• Should be fed multiple small meals per day to maintain energy levels and enhance coloration.
• A diet rich in omega-3 and marine-based proteins helps support its active lifestyle and vibrant colors.

Habitat

• Prefers coral reef environments with moderate to strong water flow.
• Frequently found near reef slopes and areas with abundant rock formations.
• Aquarium setups should include live rock to provide hiding places and promote natural grazing behaviors.
• Requires stable water conditions and high-quality filtration to maintain optimal health.
• Providing shaded areas along with open swimming spaces encourages its natural activity patterns.

Fish Care

• Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) for maintaining health and metabolism.
• Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
• Requires regular water changes and routine maintenance to ensure stable water quality.
• Reef-safe and does not pose a threat to corals or most invertebrates.
• Providing live rock structures enhances their sense of security and encourages natural exploration.

Compatibility

• Generally peaceful but may become territorial if housed with other fairy wrasses.
• Compatible with tangs, clownfish, gobies, and other peaceful reef inhabitants.
• Best kept in a community of similarly sized, non-aggressive fish to prevent stress.
• Should not be housed with aggressive species that may outcompete it for food.
• Providing adequate swimming space helps reduce competition and territorial disputes.

Aquarium Behavior

• An energetic and social species that enjoys swimming in open water.
• Frequently observed displaying vibrant coloration during courtship and interactions.
• More confident in a well-structured aquarium with hiding spots.
• Providing a mix of open swimming areas and rock structures promotes natural behaviors.
• Over time, it may become accustomed to its caretaker and actively engage during feeding sessions.