Yellow-back Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus yellow)
Fish in the family Labridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
A small, slender wrasse with distinctive yellow or golden coloration on the dorsal (back) region and upper body. Males often display brighter, more saturated yellow tones with reddish or orange accents along the flanks and head. Females tend toward duller yellow and orange patterns. The body is streamlined with pointed facial features typical of fairy wrasses.
Diet and feeding
Feed small meaty foods including mysis shrimp, copepods, and small frozen or live zooplankton. May also consume small crustaceans and fish eggs. Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions.
Difficulty and care for the Yellow-back Fairy Wrasse
Moderately challenging for beginners. Requires stable water conditions, adequate feeding, and a well-established reef with plenty of small hiding places and open swimming space. Can be somewhat skittish and may initially refuse food.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections (marine ich, velvet), feeding difficulties in new tanks, jumping behavior if stressed
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in coral reef environments at depths typically between 15 and 60 meters.
Log Yellow-back 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 Yellow-back Fairy Wrasse alongside everything else in your reef.
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