Wrasse/Cirrhilabrus Compatibility - 08/03/06
Dear WWM,
<<Good Morning>>
We have a six-line wrasse, a yellow finned female fairy wrasse, a twin-spot or clown coris wrasse, and a red head solar or clown fairy wrasse.  With regards to the twin-spot we did not know what we had until we brought it home and looked it up (we typically do not buy anything without doing this first but this one time we did, so...).
<<Mmm, yes...impulse buying...most all have been there/done that.  You since have learned this fish will grow to be a bruiser/will eat your other fish, perhaps returning it is in order?>>
The yellow finned female fairy wrasse keeps chasing the red head Solor or clown fairy wrasse.  We are considering getting
another clown fairy wrasse (to possibly stop getting the one we have now chased) but I read that males can be aggressive within their own species so that may not be the best thing to do.  What is your opinion on this and is there a way to tell a male from a female clown fairy wrasse?
<<The "fairy" or "flasher" wrasses are not "gentle" fishes as the name might imply.  Keeping multiples is usually limited to keeping single specimens of interspecifics together, or keeping a male and "several" females (to "spread" the male's attentions).  Even then, some bickering may occur among interspecifics until a "pecking order" is obtained.  And like most all fishes, my experience with wrasses has been that the species most similar in size/color will fight the most with the larger species ignoring the smaller species...unless their big enough to eat them, of course.  As for sexing Cirrhilabrus solorensis, to be honest I don't know...I'm not even sure this species is sexually dimorphic>>
We are also considering getting a yellow coris wrasse and a radiant wrasse.
<<By "yellow coris wrasse" do you mean Halichoeres chrysus?  An excellent and relatively peaceful aquarium fish in my opinion, though I do wish folks could get away from calling this fish a "coris" wrasse.  I think "canary" wrasse is more suitable/descriptive of its nature...but enough of my rant>>
Do you think we will have any trouble if we add these?  Our
current tank is a 210 gal. and we are considering buying a 500 gal. from our local saltwater shop as he is downsizing and if so will move everyone into this tank.
<<Even with the 210 I think you're fine, as far as bio-load.  But I do have concerns with the six-line and the twin-spot wrasses.  These may make it difficult to add future specimens.  The six-line looks small/cute enough, but can be real monsters.  I have seen these kill newly introduced wrasses of similar size...even in very large systems>>
I would also like to say that we have struggled with Goniopora but either our tank is extremely established or squirting it with phytoplankton from a turkey baster is doing the trick.
<<Mmm, a difficult species for anyone...Most don't survive their first few months, those that do rarely make it a year...probably best left in the ocean until we learn more about it/its care>>
We bought a small $10 one and it is doing wonderful, puffing out all over the place since I have been squirting it.  I feed it every other day.  Maybe this will help someone else if they are having trouble.
<<I do hope yours continues to prosper>>
Thank you guys <<and gals>> so much for this website and all of your insight on the saltwater world.
<<We're all happy to help>>
It is extremely difficult to find people willing to help and with the experience and knowledge that you have.
<<Is indeed a cumulative effort>>
Best regards,
Marc & Belinda Barry
<<Cheers, Eric Russell>>

Fairy Wrasse... feeding, compatibility   5/14/06
Hello,
<Hi there>
         First of all, I would like to thank you for all of your support over the years.  I would also like to ask a question, I have recently run into the problem of newly acclimated fish, fairy wrasses in my case, being scared away from food by competition.  In my case the competition is a powder blue tang, sailfin tang, and a juvenile Chrysurus.  I just lost a gorgeous lineatus wrasse to this unfortunately.
<Happens... Cirrhilabrus are not bold competitors, as you mention>
He was around five inches long so it wasn't like he was a baby trying to compete with the guys.  Which brings me to my question, I have heard of people using acrylic containers with holes in them to give the new tankmates time to adjust and get used to feeding in the tank with competition.  So would you recommend this and if so, where would I find a contraption like this.
<Might prove useful, you'd have to either fashion this/them or have an acrylic/plastics shop do it for you. Not made commercially>
But if you do not, I would appreciate if you could instill some other sort of information about possible techniques upon me.  Thank you very much for any help that you can give me.
Regards,
          Dave
<Different temperaments/compatibilities, different tanks... Bob Fenner>

Cirrhilabrus Wrasse Compatibility with Hermit Crabs   3/3/06
Thank you WWM Crew for all your past advice.
  Two of my Red Legged Hermit Crabs (Paguristes cadenati) disagree with the common fact that Cirrhilabrus Wrasses are "Reef Safe."
<Heee heee... who's "right?">
My Social Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis) must have gotten bored and ate up some free-range fish food.
<Yee hah! Get along little anomurans!>
It was no great loss (But a great show.)
  I post this experience just so others can know and so they will not get terrified if one of there Cirrhilabrus Wrasses takes down a tank mate.
   <Thanks>
  One thing, he has never eaten one of the Blue legged hermit crabs (Clibanarius tricolor) ???
<Not as tasty? Might if hungry enough. A point in lesson here: "All animals, as species, individuals are only to some degree "safe" or no"... Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>

Cirrhilabrus Wrasse Compatibility  - 2/11/2006
I am looking to add a trio of Flame Wrasses (1 male and 2 females) to a tank that already has a solorensis wrasse, 2 false Percs, and a yellow
watchman goby.  Should I expect any compatibility issues, especially between the flames and the solorensis? <The solorensis is relatively peaceful but the Flame Wrasses are aggressive.  If you have a large enough tank you may get away with it. Read here for more info on selection/compatibility.  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/>
Thanks. <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Andy

Re: Cirrhilabrus Wrasse Compatibility  - 2/11/2006
Thanks for getting back to me. <You're welcome.> I looked at the link but did not see the Flame Wrasse and not sure if I am missing it or if it is under a
specific family that I am unaware of. <Didn't search hard enough my friend.  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/cirrhilabrus/index.htm  Is also known as Jordan's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus jordani).> Also, you mention a big enough tank -- this is a 90 gallon with a 40 gallon sump/fuge, an ASM G3
skimmer and a closed loop. <Tank is large enough.  Do provide caves etc for them as in live rock.  This wrasse isn't one of the easiest to acclimate to prepared foods.  Do make sure they are eating before buying.  James (Salty Dog)>
Thanks. <You're welcome.>

Re: Cirrhilabrus Wrasse Compatibility  - 2/11/2006
Thanks. I didn't realize name that the flame fell under -- sorry.  I have about 130# of LR so I am guessing that this will be fine for them. <Yes>
Thanks again for the advice.  WWM is a great resource. <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Andy

Clown fairy wrasse addition  - 01/12/2006
Dear WWM Crew, <Marc/Belinda. Belinda reminds me of a favorite song by the Grass Roots. Bella-Linda>
Over the weekend we went to our local saltwater shop
and I fell in love with a fairy wrasse they have
labeled as a clown fairy wrasse.  I have not been able
to find much information about this type of wrasse on
the internet or whether it would be compatible in our
tank.  Our 210 gallon community tank consists of:
2 black onyx percula clowns (mated pair)
1 radiant wrasse
1 yellow coris wrasse
2 yellow fin fairy wrasses
2 firefish
2 zebra barred gobies
2 scissortail gobies/Dartfish
1 scooter blenny
1 male green mandarin (plan to add a female)
1 bicolor blenny
1 diamond watchman goby
1 6-line wrasse
1 rusty angel
1 bicolor Foxface Rabbitfish
1 royal Gramma Basslet
3 pajama cardinals (spotted cardinals)
1 sailfin tang
1 Hector's goby
2 greenbanded gobies
1 two spot bimaculatus blenny
1 blenny (green with black line across top and lime
green head with forked tail)
2 cleaner shrimp
1 queen conch
1 sand shifting sea star
1 star fish
1 cucumber
I think this is it.  Can you tell me if we would be able to add the clown fairy wrasse we saw at the
store?  Would it be overcrowding or pick on or be picked on by others?  Our tank is pretty peaceful and
we do not want to disturb that. <I wouldn't add any more fish.  You are around 7 gallons per fish now.  But to answer your question, the Red Head Solon/Clown Fairy Wrasse (cirrhilabrus solorensis) is reef safe and grows to 5" and I believe a rather expensive wrasse.>
Thank you so very much, <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Marc & Belinda Barry

Fairy Wrasse Harems  12/7/05
Hey crew, how are you this evening?
<Scott F. here today...Doin' fine!>
I just have a quick question on compatibility among the genus Cirrhilabrus, but first I have a question regarding Cirrhilabrus lubbocki. Is there a way to determine the genders of these fish? I've seen several articles and books that recommend keeping a large harem of these as they stay less than 3" as a nice schooling species, but have not been able to find pictures identifying male from female or any retailers that sell genders individually. I'd hate to just buy some and let them pick each other off until one male and however many females were left. If you have a retailer recommendation that can help or a way to identify them that would be a great help. Or if they can be bought young enough so they will work out their own social order, that would work too.
<With regards to sexing these fishes, the males will typically display distinct color on all of the fins, particularly the anal fin, whereas females usually possess clear anal fins. Although not a 100% reliable method, this is a fairly accurate way to determine the sexes.>
Second, I've heard that while single males don't get along in the same system amongst the genus, that harems of different species can sometimes be kept. I'm currently in the planning stages of a 750-1150 gallon tank. I'm still about two years out, but my nights are spent feverishly picking what specimens to keep and all of the other details that make our hobby the stuff of madness. 
The problem therein lies that I'm in love with 3 species of Cirrhilabrus: Cirrhilabrus jordani, Cirrhilabrus lineatus, and Cirrhilabrus lubbocki. I would like to keep a harem of each, but I want to know if you guys would recommend this. Or should I cut it down to just two? Also, if there is no way to distinguish C. lubbocki and you don't recommend getting a group of them to let them sort it out, then that might be the solution right there.
<In a tank of this size, I don't see any problems with this plan. The most difficult part of maintaining harems is finding females! Collectors tend to pass on the less colorful females, shipping the more marketable males.>
Anyway, any advice or help you can provide would be great. I know people have kept many fairy wrasses in the same tank, but these are usually the exception and not the rule. I prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to these things. Thanks again.
<Again, I think that small groups of 1 male to 3-4 females as you're planning is the best way to go. If you can find a group of females, you're likely to end up with one fish emerging as a male in the end. Good luck with your planning, and send pics when this monster tank is up! Regards, Scott F.>

Cirrhilabrus Trio In A 50 Gallon Tank? - 11/10/05
Hey Crew,
<<Hey!>>
I've read through the FAQs and still am unsure if my setup will be sufficient or not to provide for the finned buddies I'd like to get. The LFS I frequent for all things salty has 2 separate trios of Cirrhilabrus (C. solorensis & C. rubrisquamis) in Quarantine (they Q all their fish 7 days before they hit the sales floor).
<<Both are very attractive wrasses.>>
So my question(s) is this... Assuming both Trios make it through Q at the LFS healthy. Will one trio be suitable in my 50 gallon low-light reef?
<<Yes>>
And if so, would one of the trios be a better choice in those confines than the other?
<<Whichever you like the better.>>
The 50 gallon (36"x18"x18") tank in question is a 2 month old low light reef w/3" aragonite sand bed and 35 lbs of new (2 months cured) Tonga live rock and roughly 10 lbs of mushroom and colony polyp rocks from my main reef tank. The only other residents in this tank currently are Nassarius and Cerith snails and anything that hitchhiked in on the Live Rock. The tank has a skimmer and a small HOB refugium w/ Macro Algae (Chaetomorpha) and has roughly 750gph water movement.
<<Should work nicely for the wrasses.>>
If one of the trios will work... would you foresee any conflicts w/ adding a few Firefish and a couple of Cleaner Gobies sometime down the road?
<<Mmm...should be fine, though probably not more than one Firefish due to conspecific aggression among this species.>>
Thanks for your time and all that you provide to the Hobby.
Andy
<<Happy to assist, EricR>>

Re: Cirrhilabrus Trio In A 50 Gallon Tank? - 11/21/05
Follow up ... I ended up picking up the "trio" of C. solorensis.
<<Beauties, ain't they?>>
In the LFS tank they were fairly washed out color wise and showed no aggression (they were in a sand less tank w/ a Flame Angel and couple pieces of live rock), but since they've colored up very nicely, and voraciously eat anything and everything offered.
<<Not atypical>>
But here in lies my question, all 3 now match to some extent the coloration of the male photo in your Cirrhilabrus article (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/cirrhilabrus/  
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/cirrhilabruspt2.htm )... And the largest and most colorful of the three has been aggressive
<<Establishing dominance>>
(chasing around the rockwork and nipping) towards the other two, not to the point of tearing fins or causing cuts, but on occasion the smallest will take to the sand during daylight hours to evade harassment from the dominant male.
<<Maybe nothing to worry about. I have a Leopard Wrasse pair (Macropharyngodon meleagris), they were purchased as females and the more dominant morphed to a "super male" which even after a year, every month or so will chase the female to the point of hiding in the sand for a bit...she doesn't seem any the worse for wear for it...and the male's colors seem to benefit from the brief excitement too. If all three C. solorensis are eating and not being physically mauled, I would be inclined to see how it plays out.>>
Is this normal behavior for Cirrhilabrus when introduced to a new home?
<<Tis normal, period... These fish (Cirrhilabrus sp.) are haremic and will defend their territories against other males. Even with a male and several females you will see some chasing as the male continually establishes dominance.>>
If so, any estimate on how long this Ike and Tina show normally lasts?
<<Will likely die down in a few weeks.>>
Or is it probable that my "trio" is actually a group of males.
<<Possibly...or maybe the "lesser" two are/were in the process of changing to males when collected.>>
How sexually dimorphic is C. Solorensis... Are the pictures in the article representative of all female Solorensis?
<<Probably not "all", as coloring is effected by diet, environmental conditions...>>
In your opinion would I be best to split them up now, or at what point would you suggest separating them?
<<Separate once it becomes obvious they (it) are becoming mal-affected.>>
Are there any other tricks that might settle the aggression...
<<Remove the dominant male...rearrange the rock and let the other two wrasses become "settled" for a week...reintroduce the male.>>
I do have a mature Bicolor Angel that I could move into their tank that would happily beat on all of them <<Hee!>>, or I could move a few Chromis or possibly even a pair of black Ocellaris clowns in.
<<A few Chromis might provide some diversion.>>
Either way, the earliest I would feel safe moving an aggressor or dither in is a couple more weeks as I wouldn't want to risk any of my other fish, prior to observing a month of sustained good health from my new Cirrhilabrus. Btw... I remember reading (I think it was in Mr. Fenner's CMA, but it could have been in Paletta's New Marine Aquarium), that in a large enough system male Cirrhilabrus can revert back to female, any idea's on the time scale involved in this transformation?
<<I have heard of this with "not yet completely turned" males, but I have never witnessed it. At any rate I would think it would take some weeks to happen.>>
Thanks
Andy
<<Good luck Andy...I'd be interested to know how things turn out. EricR>>

Stocking Fairy Wrasses  8/31/05
Hi,
<Hi there! Scott F. with you today!>
I have a 90 gallons aq. with live rock and corals, I have a Lubbock Wrasse and would like to add an Exquisite Wrasse.  Are they compatible? Thanks,
AJ
<Well, AJ, both of these fishes are from the genus Cirrhilabrus, and are found in nature in fairly sizeable, mixed-sex groupings. A dominant male defends a "harem" of females and subordinate males. This is a great way to keep them in captivity. In a situation where you'd simply have two (probably male) fish in your system, I'd be a bit hesitant. However, if you are able to obtain males and females of both species, you may have better luck. In my experience, it is possible to mix individual males of different Fairy Wrasses together, if you have both males and females of each species in the mix, if the tank is large enough, and if there is enough "territory". If you manage to obtain a group of just females (kind of rare, because males are more commonly collected), you'll be pleased to see one of the females (the dominant one) turn into a lovely make in a short amount of time (the fish is known as a "protogynous hermaphrodite"). See if you can get some females to throw into the mix! Good luck! Regards, Scott F. >

- Fairy Wrasse and Clown Gobies -
Hey Bob
<Actually, JasonC today...>
You will not remember me but you answered many of my questions back when you were working with the now defunct flyingfishexpress.com folks. <Seems like a long time ago.> Thanks for all that info, it helped me a lot.
I'm putting together a new system, a basic reef with a RBT anemone and 2 Percs (had them for years) under MH lights. The tank is a 110 gal, 30 high, 48 long, 18 back to front with a massive skimmer (Euro-Reef CS8-2), 20 gal refugium with 6 inch DSB, 35 gal total in sump.   There will be 4 Maxi-jets hooked to a wave-maker/controller, and I have not decided on the size of the Maxi-jets.  There will be corals in the tank, however the focus is going to be on flasher and fairy wrasse.  
If I do my home work, and pick the wrasse for size and color to offset aggression, how many individuals could my system hold? <I wouldn't go nuts with fairy wrasses - even though they aren't typically aggressive fish, mixing more than two species in your tank might lead to trouble. You could do male/female pairs of each.> Also, are the various clown gobies (Gobiodon sp) able to live with fairy wrasse? <Sure.>
Thanks for the help!
Rich
<Cheers, J -- >

Wrasse Harem
Hi,
<Hi there! Scott F. with you today!>
First, I would like to say Thanks for your website,  I think it is the best site online.  I have spent many hours reading all the information there and your site has helped my further my knowledge about this hobby more than anywhere else.  I have such high respect for people so dedicated to this hobby.
<Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm lucky to work with some great people here!>
On with my question, I am interested in purchasing a Cirrhilabrus
luteovittatus , but I have seen some info that says they are semi-aggressive.  I have a very peaceful tank (72 gallon) so I was wondering if you would tell me your opinion on this fish.  Would he cause any problems in my tank with the other peaceful fish.  I have a Purple Firefish, Clown Goby, Court Jester, Possum Wrasse, 3 small juvenile flasher wrasse (Carpenter), Exquisite Wrasse, and a Cirrhilabrus solorensis and some shrimp.
<Nice mix of peaceful, colorful fish there! I like that mix! In fact, I'd call it near perfect! Personally, I have not had any problems mixing different fairy or flasher wrasses together, as long as sufficient space is provided. Yes, there is a social dynamic that may be disrupted. In wrasse communities, I generally worry for the newcomer, not the other way around. If you do add the new fish, observe very carefully and be prepared to take action, if necessary. There are no guarantees, unfortunately!>
Also, if you have time, could you please tell me how you can tell the difference between male and female flasher wrasses.
<Well, from an external standpoint, it's generally color and extended finnage on males. Females, almost across the board, are not as colorful as males. It's usually that simple. I know that's not much to go on, but that's usually the best way to tell. If you want a mixed group, buy a few immature specimens, wait a few months, and one will definitely turn into a male...>
When I purchased them at my LFS, they said they were capable of changing sexes so that one would turn into a male, leaving the other 2 female.  So my question is, is this true because I purchased them so that I could have a harem, but so far I can not tell much difference in them after 4 months.
<Give 'em more time...It will eventually happen...Could even take longer, but it will happen>
They rarely ever swim together but 2 of them are always flashing.  The only difference is that the 2 that are always flashing have 2 elongated rays on their dorsal fins and have blue lines and
the other one has 3 rays but her stripes are not blue, just a darker orange. I'm just guessing, but it seems like so far, I have 2 males and one female.
<That would be my guess, too!>
Do I have a chance of them turning into a harem with one male and 2 females? I would really appreciate your opinion on this.  
Thanks for your time, Ashley Whittington
<I certainly think so, Ashley. Just keep everyone happy, observe carefully, and I'll bet that harem will form! Good luck! Regards, Scott F>  

Breaking The Wrasse Impasse (What Wrasses To Mix)
Thanks for the advice Scott!
<My pleasure!>
I would love to get a harem going but Rhomboid Wrasses are so hard to come by, especially good ones.  I'm afraid by the time
I'm finished collecting his harem, he's too old to flash anything!  
<And you might have spent all of your retirement fund trying to get some, too!>
Are you saying that the male wrasse is not choosy with his harem?
<In most cases, the natural "social order" will form, and he will accept them. This has been my experience with a number of fairy wrasse species>
And it wouldn't matter when I add them?  My concern is that the male may dislike the gals that I choose for him and decides on some domestic violence!
<Well, there are no guarantees when you're dealing with fish, particularly in captive situations. Fish, like people, are individuals, and you never know what they are thinking>
And as for other wrasses to make him sustain color, are you
speaking of other species of fairy wrasses within the genus?  They won't harass each other?
<Well, it is possible to mix males of the same or different species if your tank is large enough. And, in all likelihood, you'll get to observe the "flashing" behaviour even if you keep one male with several females of the same species. Again, of course, there are no guarantees that the fishes won't harass each other, but it is worth trying in a large >
I do have a mystery wrasse waiting to go into my display, but I think they are quite different in behavior than the fairy
wrasses.  Would he work to keep Rhomboid's color?
<Perhaps, as they can occasionally encounter each other...Hard to be sure, though, as they inhabit different environmental niches within the tank>
I know I'm stretching...
<You're doing fine!>
Tks for your help! Roy
<My pleasure, Roy! Enjoy the beautiful fishes that you're going to be adding soon! Regards, Scott F>

Mixing Fairy Wrasses
Hi,
<Hi there! Scott F. with you today!>
I love your website and think it is the coolest out there on this subject.
<Awesome! Glad you enjoy it! We have lots of fun being here for you!>
I have two quick questions.
<Sure>
I have a 250 gallon FOWLR and am curious if wrasses can co exist together when mixing.  I have a male (4 inches or so) and female (2 and a half inches) lineatus wrasse  (Cirrhilabrus lineatus) and a red headed fairy wrasse (2 and a half inches) (Cirrhilabrus solorensis).  They show no aggressive behaviour but I am not sure how they evolve.  I would really like to add one more wrasse to the mix.  Either a Laboute's fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus laboutei) or a Golden Rhomboid wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rhomboidalis).  Do you think this is pushing it?
<In a smaller tank (like under 100 gallons, I'd say that it would be pushing it. On the other hand, in a tank of this size, there is enough physical space for fishes to avoid one another if they need to. Ideally, Cirrhilabrus wrasses should be maintained in groups of one male to two or more females. In nature, these fishes are found in haremic units, with a dominant male defending a harem of subordinate females and immature males. However, in your tank, I'd go for it. There are, of course, no guarantees, but I think that it's worth a try>
Also,  My tank parameters are perfect as of this morning.  O ammonia, Nitrite and under 5 nitrate.  My sump though does not smell appealing.  Should I be cleaning my bio balls?
<Not really. But you could use some activated carbon and/or PolyFilter to help remove the odor. Do a little investigating around your system to see what could be causing the offensive smell.>
Your help would be appreciated,
Thanks, Matt
<My pleasure! Regards, Scott F>

Fairy Wrasses 12/2/04
Hi! I currently have a 180g setup with nine fish in it. Among those fish are 4 Fairy Wrasses- C. luteovittatus, C. cyanopleura, C. lubbocki, and C. lineatus- all are males. My question is, can a female lineatus be added safely or will she be harassed to death by the other fairy wrasses? The local LFS has a female in stock and she'd be the smallest of the wrasses in the tank. Your help is greatly appreciated! Scott <Although Fairy wrasses are relatively mild mannered (especially for wrasses!), I am surprised that those that you already have are tolerating each other.  Many fairy wrasses do live as pairs or harems, so the M and F lineatus should be OK, but the other males may harass her or become increasingly aggressive due to the presence of a female.  If you do attempt to add this fish, first and foremost, quarantine!  Then, be prepared to remove the other males in decreasing order of aggression if necessary.  It is strictly a matter of taste, but if I were in your position I would be willing to give up all of the other males to keep the M-F pair.  Best Regards.  AdamC.>

Re: Fairy Wrasses 12/9/04
Thanks for getting back so quickly! <Glad to!>
I too am surprised that they all get along as well as they do. There is so little aggression it's almost scary. Since the addition of the lineatus there has been even less than before. It is pretty cool, though, how they interact; i.e. color changing and flashing as warnings. <Seeing really natural behavior is amazing!>
Just out of curiosity, why choose the m/f lineatus over a diverse group of fairy wrasses? Thanks again! Scott  <Just a personal interest in observing courting and knowing that fish must be in exemplary health to breed.  Best Regards.  Adam>

"Red" Fairy Wrasse--Help
Hello.
<Hi there>
I saw a very colorful fish at my local fish store that was labeled "Red Fairy Wrasse". It was about 3"-4" long and was $56. After I went home, I researched it and couldn't find any fish that had the common name Red Fairy Wrasse. From my research, I concluded that all Fairy Wrasses are peaceful, rather easy to take of, and don't get any bigger than 6" or so.
<Fair generalization>
From my research, I concluded
that the Fairy Wrasse at the store was of the genus Cirrhilabrus.
<Yes... you can see a bunch of pix of these on fishbase.org, WWM: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/cirrhilabrus/index.htm >
First question: Is this true?... Second question: Should I buy this fish and put it in my 70 gallon FOWLR with a Cinnamon Clownfish, a Coral Beauty Angelfish, a Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish, a Foxface Lo, and two Sea Urchins?
<Is the Lion small enough to where it won't swallow the Wrasse? Your tank is getting crowded, but behaviorally all should get along. Bob Fenner>