Rhomboid Fairy Wrasse

[edit] Overview

This is a highly coveted reef aquarium species, among the rarest of the rare wrasses, in the past often fetching a King's Ransom from aquarists who could handle the price tag.

The Rhomboid Fairy Wrasse was once a very difficult fish to obtain, being most common in deeper water (125-ft. or more) beyond the reach of most collectors and with a limited distribution—exports generally come from the Marshall Islands (especially Kwajalein Atoll). While not common, it is now more readily available.

It is more secretive than other, more commonly seen Cirrhilabrus spp., such as Scott’s Fairy Wrasse (C. scottorum). It will tend to hide in brightly lit, shallow reef systems, and a deeper tank with more subdued lighting is much more appropriate. Most aquarium specimens grow no larger than 4.7 inches.

Larger specimens sometimes ship poorly and are best shipped in large shipping bags with ample amounts of water. The Rhomboid Fairy Wrasse is typically considered to be one of the less aggressive members of the genus.

This species is very similar to the much-coveted Lined Fairy Wrasse (C. lineatus). However, C. lineatus has larger eyes, and a rounder and shorter caudal fin, and the lines on its body are straighter and narrower than the interspaces between them. The coloration is also different; see image Lined Fairy Wrasse.

[edit] Feeding

If you obtain a healthy individual, you should have no problem getting this fish to eat. Offer meaty foods for zooplanktivores: mysid shrimp, enriched adult brine shrimp, reef plankton, and color-enhancing rations.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

It is likely to be picked on by more pugnacious members of its own genus, like Scott’s Fairy Wrasse (C. scottorum). However, it has been known to pick on other, smaller fairy wrasses, especially if they are introduced after it is well established and tank space is limited. If you are going to keep a C. rhomboidalis with more bellicose species, be sure it is added to the tank first. A male can be housed with one or more females, but do not keep two males together. Males tend to be shyer than females and will hide more, and may lose color in a brightly lit reef tank. The females will often scull about the tank, paying little notice to the human observers. A male, in contrast, may be reluctant to spend much time in the open if there is activity near the tank. Instead, he will slink from one crevice to another.

[edit] Special Care

Make sure the tank is always covered. It is not uncommon for these fish to engage in dramatic displays along the front or sides of the tank when the room is dark. Apparently, they see their reflection in the glass, which releases these aggressive displays. You can encourage this behavior by attaching black black acrylic to the exterior of the tank. This enhances the reflective qualities of the glass.

[edit] Breeding/Propagation

Like other species in the genus, the male’s color intensifies during courtship. In this species, the head and body turn yellow and an intense blue appearing on the anterior portion of the dorsal fin. Just prior to spawning, the abdomen of the female fairy wrasse will also swell with hydrated eggs. Pelagic spawners with pelagic eggs and larvae.

Category: Species