Orange Back Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Aurantidorsalis)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Orange, Red

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 4 inches

Origin : Tomini Bay, Sulawesi

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 90 gallons

The Orange Back Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Aurantidorsalis), is a species of wrasse endemic to the Pacific waters of Indonesia. The Cirrhilabrus Aurantidorsalis is a desirable specimen due to the brilliance and luster of their color. 

The Orange Back Fairy Wrasse is a stunning example of wrasse that has the unique ability to change their color based on mood or mating ritual. The Orange-Back Fairy Wrasse has a brilliant orange colored back with a magenta colored stripe covering the head and extending the entire length of the fish to the tail. The male of this species develops a dark red crown marking on the head. When courting, the male will display increased color intensity. This species can reach a total length of 10 cm (3.9 in).

The Orange-Back Fairy Wrasse is a very peaceful, active fish that will bring both color and activity to a fish-only or reef aquarium of 90 gallons or larger. Wrasses prefer to have a 2" (5cm) sandbed to allow them to burrow into the sand to sleep or when they feel like they are in danger. Some people with bare bottom tanks have also added a Tupperware with a 2" deep sand bed to accommodate the wrasse's needs.  These wrasses like to jump, so a tight fitting canopy is recommended.

They are generally peaceful but may display aggression towards members of the same species.  They do not appreciate living with other species of wrasse, so any aquarium with several species must be large enough and the most peaceful species added first. They will not bother any corals or invertebrates making them a perfect fish for the reef aquarium. 

The Orange-Back Fairy Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. Feeding them multiple times a day is recommended since they are very active.

Size: Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"