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Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis is a small, vibrant species of fairy wrasse known for its striking coloration, particularly in males. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males displaying more intense and varied hues, especially during courtship. This species is a popular choice in the aquarium trade due to its peaceful nature and aesthetic appeal.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Males typically exhibit a vibrant yellow to orange dorsal region, often extending onto the dorsal fin, contrasting with a purplish-pink to reddish body. The ventral side can be lighter. They may have iridescent blue or green markings on the head and fins, especially during display. Females are generally more subdued, with a reddish-orange to pinkish body and less pronounced yellow on the dorsal area. Juveniles resemble females.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Bright yellow to orange dorsal coloration in males, Often a distinct dark spot or blotch on the anterior dorsal fin in males, Elongated body with a pointed snout, Sexual dichromatism
- Dorsal fin
- Typically XI spines, 9 soft rays. The anterior spines may be slightly elongated in males, and the fin often displays the characteristic yellow/orange coloration.
- Tail fin
- Rounded to slightly truncate caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Transparent to slightly yellowish, relatively small.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are often elongated in males, sometimes with iridescent blue or purple margins. The anal fin typically has III spines and 9 soft rays, often matching the body coloration with iridescent accents.
Identification Tips
Dorsal Coloration
Look for the prominent yellow to orange coloration on the back and dorsal fin, especially in males. This is a key distinguishing feature.
Body Color
Observe the purplish-pink to reddish body color, which contrasts with the dorsal yellow. Females are generally more uniformly reddish-pink.
Fin Markings
Males often have a small, dark spot or blotch on the anterior part of the dorsal fin, and iridescent blue or purple margins on the pelvic fins.
Size
This is a relatively small species of fairy wrasse, typically not exceeding 7 cm in total length.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found at depths of 5 to 40 meters (16 to 130 feet), though occasionally deeper.
- Environment
- Inhabits coral-rich areas of outer reef slopes, rubble zones, and lagoons. They prefer areas with mixed coral and sandy patches, providing both shelter and foraging grounds.
- Geographic range
- Western Pacific Ocean, including Indonesia (especially Sulawesi, Flores, Komodo), Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Its distribution is somewhat patchy.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful with other reef-safe fish. Can be kept in groups if introduced simultaneously and provided with ample space and hiding spots. Avoid keeping with very aggressive or much larger fish. Compatible with most corals and invertebrates.
- Special requirements: Requires a well-established reef aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are known jumpers. Provide a varied diet of high-quality meaty foods. Males may display more vibrant colors in the presence of females or during courtship displays.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: No specific seasonality for availability; collected year-round from its natural range.
- Market price: Moderate to high, depending on size and coloration.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Not typically consumed due to small size and value as an ornamental fish.
- Texture: Not typically consumed.
- Nutritional value: Not typically consumed.
Key Facts
Color-Changing Displaysbehavior
Male Yellowfin Fairy Wrasses are known for their spectacular color changes during courtship displays, intensifying their hues to attract females.
Diurnal Foragersbehavior
Like most fairy wrasses, Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis is a diurnal species, actively foraging for small invertebrates during the day and seeking shelter in rock crevices at night.
Protogynous Hermaphroditesevolution
Yellowfin Fairy Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning all individuals are born female and can later change sex to male under certain social or environmental conditions.
Reef Indicatorinteresting
The presence of healthy populations of fairy wrasses, including C. flavidorsalis, often indicates a healthy and thriving coral reef ecosystem.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to minimize stress and injury to the fish. They are not venomous and do not possess any known harmful spines.
Similar Species
Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus exquisitus
C. exquisitus typically has a more uniform body coloration, often with a distinct lateral line stripe or series of spots, and lacks the prominent yellow dorsal saddle of C. flavidorsalis. The caudal fin shape can also differ.
Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus lubbocki
C. lubbocki generally has a more elongated body and often displays a prominent dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin, which is absent in C. flavidorsalis. Coloration patterns, especially in males, are also distinct, with C. lubbocki often having more intricate patterns and less pronounced dorsal yellow.
Line-spot Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus lineatus
C. lineatus is characterized by distinct horizontal blue lines or rows of spots on its body, which are absent in C. flavidorsalis. The overall body shape and fin morphology also differ.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Labridae
- Genus
- Cirrhilabrus
- Species
- flavidorsalis
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