Flame Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus jordani)
The Flame Wrasse, also known as the Jordan’s Fairy Wrasse, is widely considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious fish in the marine hobby. Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, this deep-water species is famous for its glowing, "fire-like" coloration. Because it originates from Hawaii (where collection is often restricted) and lives at significant depths, it is a high-end centerpiece fish that is prized by serious collectors.
Key Information
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Common Names: Flame Wrasse, Jordan's Fairy Wrasse, Hawaiian Flame Wrasse
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Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus jordani
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Origin: Hawaii (Endemic)
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Max Size: 10 cm (approx. 4 inches)
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Lifespan: 5–8 years
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Temperament: Peaceful; shy when first introduced
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Diet: Carnivore – Planktivore
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Care Level: Moderate (Sensitive to lighting and depth transitions)
Appearance & Identification
The Flame Wrasse is defined by its incredibly warm, luminous color palette:
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The "Flame" Effect: The body is a vibrant, shimmering gold-to-yellow on the lower half, transitioning into a deep, fiery red on the upper half and head.
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The Fins: The dorsal and anal fins are a brilliant red, often edged in an iridescent violet or neon blue.
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Terminal Males: Males are much more colorful than females, featuring a "mask" of intense red on the face and a more pronounced golden glow. When "flashing," the male can make his colors appear almost metallic.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
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Peaceful & Social: This is one of the most docile fairy wrasses. It is never aggressive toward other species and spends its day gracefully swimming in the mid-to-upper water column.
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Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They will not bother corals, clams, or ornamental invertebrates.
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The "Harem" Dynamic: Like other Cirrhilabrus, they are protogynous hermaphrodites. They thrive in a harem (one male with two or more females). If the male dies, the dominant female will transition into a male.
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Tank Mates: Best kept with other peaceful reef fish like Anthias, Firefish, and peaceful Tangs. Avoid aggressive "bully" wrasses (like the Six-Line) or large, predatory fish that might intimidate this shy species.
Ideal Tank Setup
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Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) for a single specimen, though 285L (75 Gallons) is highly recommended for a harem to allow for their active swimming.
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Lid is Mandatory: Like all wrasses, the Flame Wrasse is a prolific jumper. They are extremely fast and can easily leap out of even the smallest gaps.
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Lighting: Since they are naturally found in deeper water (often 30m+), they can be sensitive to high-intensity LED reef lights initially. It is best to acclimate them under lower light or provide plenty of shaded overhangs in the rockwork.
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Rockwork: Provide plenty of live rock with caves and swim-throughs. They sleep in the rockwork inside a protective mucus cocoon.
Dietary Needs
They have high metabolisms and are active open-water feeders:
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Feeding Frequency: Feed 2–3 times daily.
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Preferred Foods: Frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality copepods.
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Dry Foods: They generally transition well to high-quality marine flakes and small pellets once they feel secure.
Why Choose the Flame Wrasse?
The Flame Wrasse is a true "trophy" fish. It offers a level of color saturation that few other species can match, and its peaceful nature makes it a perfect citizen for a high-end reef display. While they are more expensive and harder to find than other fairy wrasses, their "glowing" presence and elegant swimming behavior make them the crown jewel of any Hawaiian-themed or deep-water reef tank.
