
Shark Fin Naoko's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Naokoae)
Also Known As: Naoko’s Fairy Wrasse
Compatibility and Behavior The Shark Fin Wrasse — formally Cirrhilabrus naokoae — is a small fairy wrasse with an elongated dorsal fin that gives it its common name, and iridescent body coloration that tends to really pop under reef lighting. It's generally a peaceful, mid-water swimmer that coexists well with most non-aggressive reef fish, and it's considered reef safe with corals and invertebrates, making it a solid fit for mixed-reef and SPS-dominated tanks alike. The one area where personalities can vary is around other fairy and flasher wrasses — males of similar shape and color may draw out some posturing and display behavior, so stocking decisions in that direction are worth thinking through, particularly in smaller systems.
Aquarium Requirements Unlike a lot of wrasses, the Shark Fin doesn't bury itself in sand at night — it's a rock-sleeper, wedging into crevices and overhangs when the lights go down. That means intricate rockwork with plenty of hiding spots matters more than substrate depth here, and it's worth keeping in mind if you're running this fish through a bare-bottom quarantine tank (make sure it has somewhere to hide). Open swimming space in the mid-water column is equally important; this fish is an active, confident cruiser during the day. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is non-negotiable — fairy wrasses are capable jumpers, especially when startled. Feed multiple small meals daily with a variety of finely chopped meaty foods, enriched frozen preparations, and small high-quality pellets to keep it in good condition and its colors looking their best.
Specifications
Approximate Size: 1.75–2.25"
Diet: Carnivore; zooplankton, frozen mysis, brine shrimp, high-quality pellets
Origin: Indo-Pacific reef slopes and outer reef habitats
Care Level: Intermediate
Reef Safe: Yes; generally safe with corals and clams
Temperament: Peaceful to mildly assertive; can be competitive with other fairy or flasher wrasses
Minimum Tank Size: Not specified
Special Considerations: Tight-fitting lid essential; does not bury in sand — provide rock crevices for sleeping and shelter
Pairs well with

Shark Fin Naoko's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Naokoae)
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Shipping Information
- Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday. Orders will be shipped overnight on the soonest possible shipping day, unless you request to hold the order for up to one business day.
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- Stay tuned to our Announcement Bar (black bar at the top of every page) for important shipping announcements...we may reach our max limit of orders we can ship on Mondays.
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FAQ’s
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if UPS is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a UPS Access Point, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
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Contact Us
Send us an email at sales@reefbeauties.com and we will get back to you shortly.
We do not offer phone calls. We handle our inquiries with timely emails to ensure a qualified and high-quality response, to have all conversations on record, and to avoid miscommunications that can occur over the phone.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if FedEx is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a FedEx Ship Center, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
