Girdled Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus balteatus)

Fish in the family Labridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.

Girdled Fairy Wrasse

Quick facts

Scientific nameCirrhilabrus balteatus
FamilyLabridae
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyReef Safe
TemperamentPeaceful
Dietcarnivore
Adult size5.5 in
Minimum tank size70 gallons
Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.4 Salinity: 1.02-1.025
Feeding scheduleFeed 2-3 times daily

Appearance

The Girdled Fairy Wrasse displays a striking orange-red body with a distinctive blue-violet girdle or band encircling the middle. Males are more vibrant than females, with intensified coloration during displays.

Diet and feeding

Feed a varied diet of high-quality frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped marine flesh. Small live copepods and amphipods are beneficial. Feed 1–2 times daily in portions the fish can consume in a few minutes.

Difficulty and care for the Girdled Fairy Wrasse

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia to the Philippines and westward to Sri Lanka, typically found in deeper reef environments.

Log Girdled Fairy Wrasse in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Girdled Fairy Wrasse alongside everything else in your reef.