Labout’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus labouti)
A refined and beautifully coloured reef wrasse, the Labout’s Fairy Wrasse is highly prized for its elegant patterning, graceful movement and vivid colouration. With a stunning blend of pink, red, yellow, purple and blue tones, this species brings a luxurious flash of colour to a mature reef aquarium.
 
Active, peaceful and full of character, the Labout’s Fairy Wrasse is an exceptional choice for reef keepers looking for a premium, reef-safe display fish.
 
Signature Standard
As part of our Atlantis Signature Fish Collection, this specimen has undergone a thorough quarantine and conditioning process prior to release. Each fish is carefully monitored, feeding well, and assessed for overall health — ensuring you receive a premium, stable addition to your aquarium.
 
Key Information
Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus labouti
Common Name: Labout’s Fairy Wrasse / Labouti Fairy Wrasse
Origin: Western Pacific, including Australia, New Caledonia and surrounding reef regions
Adult Size: Up to approximately 12cm
Temperament: Peaceful to moderately assertive
Reef Compatibility: Reef safe
Minimum Tank Size: 250L+
 
Behaviour & Characteristics
The Labout’s Fairy Wrasse is an active open-water swimmer that spends much of its time moving confidently through the water column. Its elegant swimming style and strong colouration make it a constant point of interest within the aquarium.
Unlike sand-burying wrasses, fairy wrasses retreat into rockwork or a mucus cocoon at night, so a secure aquascape with suitable hiding places is important. Males can show enhanced colour and display behaviour once settled, particularly in calm, stable reef systems.
 
Although generally peaceful, it may become assertive toward similar wrasses, especially in smaller aquariums or where territories are limited.
 
Feeding
A natural plankton feeder, the Labout’s Fairy Wrasse feeds from the water column throughout the day.
In captivity, it should be offered a varied diet including:
Frozen mysis shrimp
Enriched brine shrimp
Copepods and small meaty foods
High-quality marine pellets
Fine chopped seafood
Regular varied feeding helps maintain strong colour, body condition and activity. Smaller, more frequent feeds are ideal for long-term success.
 
Compatibility
Best housed with peaceful to semi-peaceful tank mates
Reef safe with corals
Does not require a sand bed
Avoid highly aggressive fish
Use caution when mixing with similar fairy wrasses
A tight-fitting lid is essential, as fairy wrasses are known jumpers
 
Care Level
Intermediate
The Labout’s Fairy Wrasse is generally hardy once established, but still requires:
A mature, stable reef system
Excellent water quality
Plenty of open swimming space
Secure rockwork for retreating
A tight-fitting aquarium cover
Regular varied feeding
Careful introduction with other wrasses
 
Why We Love It
The Labout’s Fairy Wrasse is a premium reef-safe wrasse with outstanding colour, elegance and movement. Its refined patterning and confident swimming behaviour make it a standout addition to a high-quality reef aquarium.
 
Available as part of our Atlantis Signature Fish Collection — premium livestock, responsibly sourced, expertly conditioned.