Care
The Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse is known from the Chagos and Maldives Archipelagos where it is typically found at deep reef slopes over coral, rubble, or sandy substrates, at depths between 40-50m (131-164ft). Juveniles are often seen shoaling in groups with adult females and one adult male, along with other species of Cirrhilabrus or Paracheilinus wrasses, as they feed on zooplankton in the water column. This is a variable fish in terms of looks; the anterior part of the body is rosy red in colouration, fading to a peach or pale pink colour posteriorly. As the fish mature, the red scales at the front end of the fish develop dark edges. The colouration of the fins is also variable, with the dorsal usually bright red or orange anteriorly, and the other fins a mixture of peach or pale pink with blue-purple fin rays. There is a light blue margin to the anal fin and the posterior of the dorsal fin, along with a thin blue marking through the caudal fin. Dominant males will be much more vibrantly coloured compared to the females, and during courtship rituals, the males can undergo spectacular colour changes within seconds, turning almost white in order to attract a mate. In the home aquarium, it is best to keep either a single specimen or a group consisting of just one male with several females. Be sure to add the entire group simultaneously, or else add all females before the male. In the confines of the aquarium, large males will behave aggressively towards other fairy wrasses and other small wrasse species introduced after them. Unless you are blessed with a system of vast proportions, never attempt to keep more than one male together. The tank should be aquascaped with plenty of live rock, in order for the fish to have ample places to hide amongst should they feel threatened. Newly acclimatised fish may be quite shy, but in the presence of peaceful tankmates, they should soon gain much confidence and swim out in open water areas. It is best not to house the Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse with large, intimidating species such as some of the bigger Angels and Tangs. Likewise, do not keep alongside small timid planktivores such as dottybacks, as the Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse can be a little boisterous and competitive at feeding times. Provide your fish with consistently high water quality, decent current, and plenty of aeration. Tight fitting coverslides are an absolute must as these fish are expert jumpers. You may sometimes see this fish labelled as the Rosy-scales Fairy Wrasse.
Feeding
Feed a variety of meaty foods in small amounts several times per day, including Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill, and plankton. Over time, may also learn to accept flake foods.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
