Hooded Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Bathyphilus)
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Description
Hooded Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus)
The Hooded Fairy Wrasse, also known as the Deepwater Fairy Wrasse, is a crown jewel of the Cirrhilabrus genus. As its name suggests, it originates from deeper reef slopes, which contributes to its intense, saturated colors that often appear to "glow" under aquarium lighting. It is highly sought after by wrasse collectors for its sophisticated color palette and peaceful, active nature.
Key Information
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Common Names: Hooded Fairy Wrasse, Deepwater Fairy Wrasse, Coral Sea Fairy Wrasse
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Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus
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Origin: Western Pacific (primarily the Coral Sea and Vanuatu)
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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 to Semi-aggressive (toward similar wrasses)
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Diet: Carnivore – Plankton-picker requiring small meaty foods
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Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Appearance & Identification
The Hooded Fairy Wrasse is famous for its "sunset" aesthetic:
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The "Hood": Features a vibrant orange-to-red "hood" that covers the head and upper back.
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Body Gradient: The body typically transitions from the red hood into a pearly white or pale lavender belly, with a bright orange-to-yellow tail.
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Eyes: They have large, expressive eyes that are often rimmed in bright orange or gold.
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Variations: Specimens from Vanuatu often have a much darker, almost black "hood," while those from the Coral Sea are typically brighter red/orange.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
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Peaceful Cruiser: Like most fairy wrasses, they are constantly in motion, cruising the open water and scanning for food. They do not hide in the rocks as much as other wrasse families.
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Social Structure: They are best kept singly or in a harem (one male with several females). If you plan to keep multiple fairy wrasses, introduce the most peaceful ones first.
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Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They will not bother corals, clams, or ornamental shrimp. They are the perfect "citizen" for a high-end reef.
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Sleep Style: Unlike Leopard Wrasses that bury in sand, the Hooded Fairy Wrasse sleeps in a mucus cocoon tucked away in a rock crevice.
Ideal Tank Setup
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Tank Size: A minimum of 115L–150L (30–40 Gallons). They need plenty of horizontal room to swim.
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Lighting: Since they come from deeper water, they may be shy under extremely intense "SPS-level" lighting. Provide some shaded overhangs or acclimate them slowly to high-intensity LEDs.
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Lid is Mandatory: This is critical. Fairy wrasses are prolific jumpers. They are "skittish" and will launch themselves out of the tank if startled by a light turning on or a sudden movement.
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Rockwork: Provide plenty of live rock with tunnels and pass-throughs. They love to swim "loops" through the rockwork.
Dietary Needs
They have very high metabolisms and should be fed 2–3 times daily:
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Preferred Foods: Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, lobster eggs, and high-quality flakes/pellets.
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Activity: Frequent feeding keeps them from becoming stressed and helps maintain their intense colors.
Why Choose the Hooded Fairy Wrasse?
The Hooded Fairy Wrasse is for the hobbyist who wants a "high-end" centerpiece that is also hardy and peaceful. Its deep-water origins give it a unique color depth that sets it apart from more common wrasses. It is a social, intelligent fish that adds both vertical movement and a beautiful "pop" of color to any stable reef system.
