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Curated by the Fast Aquatics editorial team. Updated May 2026. Reviewed against vendor + breeder records, IUCN listings, and references from SeriouslyFish, FishBase, and the Coral Reef Information Network. Husbandry guidance is field-tested by Fast Aquatics vendor-side aquarists and cross-referenced with peer publications.
Scientific name
Cirrhilabrus rubrimarginatus
Family
Wrasse (Labridae) - Fairy wrasse
Adult size
4"
Min tank size
70 gallons
Temperature
74-82°F
Salinity
1.024-1.026
Temperament
Peaceful
Difficulty
Beginner
Lifespan
6-8 years

About the Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse

Pink-margined fairy wrasse displays distinct pink/red margins along dorsal and anal fins against a yellow/orange body. Mid-size fairy wrasse with good color stability and reliable feeding response. Suitable for keepers stepping up from beginner fairy wrasses.

Native range: Western Pacific. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade. The Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Fairy wrasse grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.

What size tank does the Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse need?

Tank size: 70 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Lid: tight-fitting, gap-free. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.

Flow: moderate to moderately strong is preferred by most wrasses - they evolved on current-swept reefs. Lighting: standard reef LED works for all wrasses; the fish itself does not require special spectrum.

What does the Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse eat?

Carnivore - mysis, copepods, pellets. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss - schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.

Compatible tank mates

Safe: Reef-safe community.

Avoid: Other Cirrhilabrus males.

Breeding

Not captive bred. Most wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites - born female, transition to male as they reach social dominance in a group. Tank breeding of wrasses is rare due to the complex behaviors and pelagic egg-laying that resists captive replication.

Common problems and solutions

Jumping; conspecific aggression.

Keeper note: Standard fairy wrasse care. Single male per tank.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse?

Pink-margined fairy wrasse displays distinct pink/red margins along dorsal and anal fins against a yellow/orange body. Mid-size fairy wrasse with good color stability and reliable feeding response. Suitable for keepers stepping up from beginner fairy wrasses. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade.

What size tank does the Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse need?

The Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse needs a tank of at least 70 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.

Is the Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse hard to keep?

The Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse is rated beginner difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 70 gallons, a temperature of 74-82°F and salinity of 1.024-1.026. Adults reach about 4" and live 6-8 years. Pink-margined fairy wrasse displays distinct pink/red margins along dorsal and anal fins against a yellow/orange body.

How should you feed the Pink-Margined Fairy Wrasse?

Carnivore - mysis, copepods, pellets. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss - schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences. Single male per tank.

Related wrasses

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