Pintail Fairy Wrasse Male (Cirrhilabrus Lanceolatus)

Pintail Fairy Wrasse (Male) Also Known As: Splendid Pintail Fairy Wrasse, Pintail Wrasse

Compatibility and Behavior Few fish command attention quite like a male Pintail Fairy Wrasse in full display. The body is a rich blend of rose and violet with warm red-orange striping along the flanks, a golden-yellow wash over the face and dorsal area, and that signature pintail — a sharply tapered, translucent tail filament that seems to glow under reef lighting. In the aquarium, this species is generally reef safe and tends to leave corals and most ornamental invertebrates alone, making it a natural fit for mixed reef communities. It gets along well with peaceful community fish and non-aggressive wrasses, though males can occasionally show some territorial behavior toward other male fairy wrasses or similarly shaped species — something worth keeping in mind in smaller or more crowded systems. When well-fed and kept with compatible tankmates, they're unlikely to bother cleaner shrimp or larger ornamental invertebrates, though very small crustaceans and microfauna may be fair game during their natural foraging. A male can also be kept with one or more females in a larger tank, provided there's enough space and visual separation to keep things comfortable.

Aquarium Requirements A mature reef aquarium of 90 gallons or more gives this active swimmer the room it needs to really shine. Pintail Fairy Wrasses spend much of their day cruising through and above the rockwork, so a good mix of open water and complex structure — caves, ledges, overhangs — keeps them both comfortable and on display. They typically wedge into rock crevices at night rather than burying in sand, so those hiding spots matter. A secure, fully covered lid with no gaps is non-negotiable; this species is a capable jumper, particularly during lights-on and lights-off transitions or when startled. Moderate to strong, varied flow and quality reef lighting will bring out its best coloration. Feed small, varied meaty foods frequently — mysis, enriched brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality marine pellets all work well — to keep energy levels high and colors vibrant.

Specifications

Approximate Size: 1.5–3.5" at purchase; up to ~5" as an adult

Diet: Carnivore

Origin: Western Pacific (Japan to the Philippines)

Care Level: Intermediate

Reef Safe: Yes

Temperament: Peaceful; can be mildly territorial toward other male fairy wrasses

Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons

Special Considerations: Requires a secure, fully covered lid to prevent jumping; best introduced before more aggressive species