Brunneus Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Brunneus) Male

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Blue, Red, Black, Brown

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 4 inches

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 50 gallons

The Brunneus Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Brunneus), also known as the Dusky Fairy Wrasse, Brunneus Wrasse, is an extremely rare wrasse species with an even more rare and unique coloration. 

Sometimes described as “dark” or “sinister” looking the Brunneus Fairy Wrasse exhibits incredible dark blues, reds, blacks and browns to form a spectacular dark and colorful fairy wrasse.The Brunneus Fairy Wrasse has an elongated body and red eyes. The base of its dorsal fin is a bright blue colour. The belly normally has an orange hue and there is usually a red streak running behind the eye. It has a crescent tail that also hosts flashes of bright blue.

The Brunneus Fairy Wrasse is best kept in a tank with a sandy substrate, plenty of live rock, and plenty of swimming space. The lid of the tank should be tightly secured to prevent jumping.

The Brunneus Fairy Wrasse has a calm demeanor and is rarely aggressive to other fish. Large Angelfish, Boxfish, Damselfish, Clownfish, and Tangs/Surgeons are all good tankmates. For these non-aggressive fish the main criteria for finding suitable tankmates is that they aren't going to be eaten by them. They can be kept in pairs but should not be mixed with other species of wrasse. Brunneus Fairy Wrasse males will be aggressive towards other males. If keeping conspecifics together a perfect combination would be one male, with a couple of females or some juveniles. Reef environments are not recommended for these fish as they have been known to feed on coral polyps.

This fish is a carnivore, so they eat a variety of small meaty foods, including chopped meats, live shrimp, foraminiferans, amphipods, and worms. They will also feed on zooplankton and rotifers. If there is live rock in the aquarium they will feed on any attached copepods. Flake food and pellets can be occasionally offered if introduced early enough.