Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus - Koi Dwarf Parrot

Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus is a distinctive fairy wrasse formally described as a separate species in 2021. Before taxonomic revision, specimens were commonly identified and traded as Cirrhilabrus solorensis. Both names may therefore still appear in older aquarium literature and trade lists.

Mature males display brilliant aquamarine or turquoise body coloration, a yellow-to-orange head and dark-blue markings that form a characteristic chin-strap pattern. Females and juveniles are smaller and more subtly coloured.

Key features

• Colourful Indonesian fairy wrasse
• Scientific name: Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus
• Common name: Koi Dwarf Parrot
• Also known as Aquamarine Fairy Wrasse
• Formally described as a separate species in 2021
• Previously confused with Cirrhilabrus solorensis
• Adult size: approximately 9 cm
• Active daytime swimmer
• Generally peaceful
• Reef safe
• Does not normally consume corals
• Suitable for SPS, LPS and mixed reefs
• Requires small meaty and planktonic foods
• Feed two or three small meals daily
• Shelters inside rock crevices at night
• Does not normally bury itself in sand
• Extremely prone to jumping
• Requires a completely secure aquarium cover

Care information

• Family: Labridae
• Subfamily: Cirrhilabrinae
• Adult size: approximately 9 cm
• Diet: zooplankton and small meaty foods
• Temperament: peaceful, with possible aggression toward similar fairy wrasses
• Reef compatibility: reef safe
• Activity: diurnal
• Care level: intermediate
• Origin: Indonesia, western Pacific
• Natural habitat: shallow exposed reef-rubble areas
• Natural depth: approximately 5–20 m

Suggested aquarium conditions

• Recommended minimum volume: approximately 250 litres
• Recommended aquarium length: approximately 100 cm or longer
• Temperature: approximately 24–27 °C
• Specific gravity: approximately 1.023–1.026
• pH: approximately 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: approximately 7–11 dKH
• Ammonia: 0 mg/l
• Nitrite: 0 mg/l
• Aquarium cover: essential

Feeding

Offer a varied selection of:

• Mysis shrimp
• Enriched brine shrimp
• Copepods
• Chopped krill
• Lobster eggs
• Frozen zooplankton blends
• High-quality soft marine pellets
• Fine sinking or slowly sinking granules

Feed small portions two or three times daily. Distribute the food through the water column so the wrasse can capture it naturally.

Introduction

1. Install a completely secure mesh cover before the fish arrives.
2. Dim the aquarium lighting.
3. Equalise the transport-water temperature.
4. Acclimate carefully to salinity and water chemistry.
5. Avoid leaving the fish in a small acclimation container for an excessive period.
6. Use an acclimation box when other wrasses are already present.
7. Release the fish after the lighting has dimmed.
8. Provide several sheltered sleeping crevices.
9. Monitor breathing, swimming and feeding behaviour.
10. Expect the fish to hide temporarily during the first few days.
11. Do not dismantle the rockwork to search for a newly introduced fish.
12. Offer small, appealing frozen foods once the fish has settled.