Description

The Beau’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus beauperryi) is a vibrant, peaceful, and active reef-safe wrasse that makes a fantastic addition to a well-maintained saltwater aquarium. It’s part of the fairy wrasse group, prized for their intense coloration, graceful swimming, and non-destructive behavior toward corals and invertebrates.

🔷 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus beauperryi

• Common Names: Beau’s Fairy Wrasse, Beauperry’s Fairy Wrasse

• Origin: Coral Sea, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands

• Size: Up to 5 inches (13 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–7 years (longer with excellent care)

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Reef Safe: Yes

• Care Level: Moderate

🐟 Appearance

• Coloration:

  • Males: Intense reddish-pink body with lavender, yellow, and orange highlights; more vibrant and flashy during courtship displays.

  • Females/Juveniles: Lighter pink to orange, more subdued patterning.

• Fins: Flowing, ornate dorsal and tail fins, especially in males.

• Sexual Dimorphism: Strong — males are larger, brighter, and have more elaborate finnage.

• Display Behavior: Males “flash” their colors during mating displays or when startled.

🏝️ Tank Requirements

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Carnivore (planktivore)

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily

• Diet Includes:

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Brine shrimp (enriched)

  • Copepods

  • Marine pellets or flakes (high protein)

  • Finely chopped meaty frozen foods

Tip: Offer a variety of small, protein-rich foods to support health and coloration.

⚠️ Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive; males may show mild dominance to other wrasses.

• Tankmates:

  • Excellent with other peaceful reef fish (gobies, clowns, tangs, anthias, blennies)

  • Avoid aggressive species or very boisterous wrasses

• Reef Compatibility: 100% reef-safe — does not nip corals or inverts

• Social Setup:

  • Can be kept singly

  • Male-female pairs or harems possible in tanks 90+ gallons

🛠️ Care Tips

• Lid Required: Fairy wrasses are notorious jumpers — a tight-fitting lid is essential.

• Acclimation: Drip acclimation recommended — sensitive to salinity swings.

• Lighting: Strong lighting helps bring out their best coloration.

• Disease: Hardy, but use a quarantine tank for new arrivals if possible.

✅ Pros

• Stunning coloration, especially males

• Reef safe and peaceful

• Active swimmer, full of personality

• Compatible with a wide variety of reef fish

❌ Cons

• Prone to jumping — must have a lid

• Colors may fade if stressed or underfed

• Males may bully less flashy wrasses in small tanks