Magenta Streaked Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Laboutei)

Labout's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus laboutei)

The Labout's Fairy Wrasse, often referred to as the Magenta-streaked or Labouti Fairy Wrasse, is a high-end centerpiece fish from the deep reefs of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef. It is widely considered one of the "Elite Four" of the fairy wrasse world due to its unique, almost geometric color pattern. Unlike many other wrasses that feature gradients, the Labout's looks as if it has been hand-painted with precise, neon stripes.

Key Information

• Common Names: Labout's Fairy Wrasse, Magenta-streaked Fairy Wrasse

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus laboutei

• Origin: Coral Sea, New Caledonia, and the Great Barrier Reef (Australia)

• Max Size: 12 cm (approx. 4.7 inches)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years

• Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-aggressive (can be bold toward other wrasses)

• Diet: Carnivore – Planktivore

• Care Level: Moderate (Sensitive to shipping and decompression)

Appearance & Identification

The Labout's is famous for its "pajama-like" stripes:

• The Pattern: Features several longitudinal magenta-to-pink stripes that run horizontally across a golden-yellow and blue-green body.

• The "Eye-Ring": A distinctive magenta ring encircles the eye, extending into a stripe that runs toward the tail.

• Terminal Males: Males display much more intense coloration and have a slightly "hunched" or deep-bodied profile compared to other more slender fairy wrasses. When "flashing" during courtship, their colors can become almost metallic and glow-in-the-dark.

Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

• Bold Presence: Unlike the shy Helfrichi Firefish or smaller Gobies, a settled Labout's is a very active and visible swimmer. It will dominate the mid-water column.

• Territoriality: While peaceful toward non-wrasse tank mates, it can be assertive toward other members of the Cirrhilabrus genus. If you plan to keep multiple fairy wrasses, the Labout's should be one of the last additions.

• Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They are perfect for SPS and LPS dominated tanks and will not bother corals or clams.

• Tank Mates: Excellent with Tangs, large Anthias, and Angelfish. Avoid keeping them with aggressive "bully" wrasses like the Six-line or mystery wrasse.

Ideal Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 285L (75 Gallons) is recommended. They are active, fast swimmers that need "runway" space.

• Lid is Mandatory: This is a high-risk jumper. Labout's are notorious for finding even the smallest gap in a mesh top.

• Rockwork: Provide a complex reef structure with many swim-throughs. They like to weave in and out of the rockwork while hunting for copepods.

• Lighting: As a deep-water species, they appreciate a "dawn/dusk" simulation. Avoid sudden, bright light bursts which can cause them to bolt and hit the lid.

Dietary Needs

They have high metabolisms and need frequent fuel:

• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2–3 times daily.

• Preferred Foods: A mix of frozen mysis, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and Calanus. They also appreciate high-quality marine pellets once acclimated.

• Nutritional Note: Feeding foods high in carotenoids (like Krill or specialized pellets) helps maintain those intense magenta and gold colors.

Why Choose the Labout's Fairy Wrasse?

The Labout's is for the collector who wants a "designer" look with a hardy constitution once acclimated. It offers a level of color complexity that few other reef fish can match. If you have a large reef and want a fish that provides constant movement and "neon" aesthetics without the extreme aggression of a damsel, the Labout's is a prestigious and rewarding choice.