
Yellow Flanked Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Ryukyuensis)
Also Known As: Yellowside Fairy Wrasse
Compatibility and Behavior The Yellow Flanked Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus ryukyuensis) is a peaceful, reef-friendly species with striking pastel-like colors that set it apart from many of its Cirrhilabrus relatives. This is one of the most colorful fairy wrasse species, and will stand out in your tank as we tend to get fairly large, fat specimens. You cannot miss the distinct pinkish-yellow patch along the flanks that give it its namesake. It's reef safe with corals and clams, and generally coexists well with other peaceful fish and fairy or flasher wrasses in a suitably sized system.
Aquarium Requirements A 55-gallon or larger established reef with open mid-water swimming space and reef-style rockwork offering multiple caves, ledges, and shaded retreats is the right environment for this species. It doesn't bury in sand, so substrate depth isn't a concern — what matters more is aquascape complexity and the availability of sheltered spots for resting at night and escaping sudden activity. Moderate to strong, varied flow and stable water conditions keep it active and its colors looking sharp. A secure, tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable; fairy wrasses are reliable jumpers, especially when startled or during social interactions. Feed regularly with mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped meaty fare to maintain condition and coloration.
Specifications
Approximate Size: 2.5-4"
Diet: Carnivore; mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped meaty marine fare
Origin: Western Pacific, Ryukyu Islands and surrounding regions
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful; may be stressed by aggressive or much larger tankmates
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Special Considerations: Tight-fitting lid essential; no sand bed required; does best in stable, mature reef systems
Pairs well with

Yellow Flanked Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus Ryukyuensis)
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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
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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.
