Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus naokoae)
| Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse Cirrhilabrus naokoae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse |
| Name Lat. | Cirrhilabrus naokoae |
| Family | Wrasses |
| Family lat. | Labridae |
| Order | Wrasses & Relatives |
| Order lat. | Labriformes |
| Origin | Indo-West Pacific |
| Habitat | Shallow lagoons |
| Diet | Planktivore |
| pH | 8,1-8,4 |
| Hardness | 8-10 °KH |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Reef Compatible | Yes |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 7 cm |
| Temperature | 24-27 °C |
| Salinity | 33-36 ‰ |
| Aquarium | ~ 250 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3" |
| Temperature | 75-81 °F |
| Salinity | 1.020-1.025 sg |
| Aquarium | ~ 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of Cirrhilabrus naokoae extends from Sumatra in the eastern Indian Ocean to Papua New Guinea in the western Pacific. There they live mostly in small groups in shallow, protected lagoons between corals and rocks over sand and gravel bottoms in 10-20 meters depth.
Maintenance
They require a well-structured reef aquarium (rock and stone structures) with caves, shelters, gravel or sand bottom and with live stones that act like a biological filter as well as sufficient swimming space. Only lime-rich, heavy metal-free substrates may be used as substrate.
Filters, skimmers and heaters are necessary to ensure water quality, as well as pumps to simulate tides, swells and bottom currents. Lighting must match the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals
| Salinity: 33-36 ‰ | pH value: 8.1-8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness: 8-10 °KH | Nitrate content: 2-8 mg/l |
| phosphate content: 0.01-0.1 mg/l | nitrite content: 0.0-0.05 mg/l |
For salinity, an average value should be aimed for, which may only vary slightly by +/- 0.5 ‰. Ammonia and ammonium must not be measurable. Special attention must be paid to constantly good water quality.
Diet
In nature they feed mainly on zooplankton. The feed change usually succeeds without problems. The food supply for these slow eaters should consist of a commercially available, vitamin-enriched, frozen special food mix for plankton eaters or a combination of chopped shrimp and crab meat with live and frozen foods, such as mysis, krill, bosmids, cyclops and Artemia. High quality flake and granulated foods are also often accepted after a period of acclimation.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day (3-5 times). This also reduces intra-species aggression. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
The fry, mostly females, are peaceful among themselves and can be kept without problems. They should be kept in pairs or in a group of 4-5 animals. To avoid turf wars, they should be introduced into the aquarium at the same time. With the sex change to male the aggression increases. Towards other fish they usually behave peacefully.
Sex dimorphism
They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning that most males develop from functional females when needed. There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
Since they occasionally jump, make sure the aquarium is well covered
They do very well in a reef aquarium with corals and invertebrates and should not be kept in a fish-only aquarium
If different species are kept together, care should be taken to match the fish in terms of water quality and temperature requirements and social behavior, and to ensure that the setup meets the needs of all species kept together. New fish to be introduced must be acclimated slowly to the water in the aquarium
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: KUITER, DEBELIUS (2007): Atlas der Meeresfische: Die Fische an den Küsten der Weltmeere, Kosmos Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF