Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse Male (Cirrhilabrus lubbocki)

The Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse, named after the renowned ichthyologist Hugh Lubbock, is often called the "Multi-colored Fairy Wrasse." While it is one of the more affordable and common fairy wrasses, the male of the species is anything but ordinary. It is a kaleidoscope of shifting colors—pinks, yellows, and purples—and is widely considered one of the best "entry-level" fairy wrasses due to its hardiness and peaceful nature.

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Key Information

• Common Names: Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse, Multi-color Fairy Wrasse

• Scientific Name: Cirrhilabrus lubbocki

• Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines, and Celebes)

• Max Size: 8 cm (approx. 3 inches)

• Lifespan: 5–7 years

• Temperament: Very Peaceful

• Diet: Carnivore – Planktonivore

• Care Level: Easy

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Appearance & Identification (Male)

The Lubbock’s is famous for its high color variability, with two primary "color morphs" often seen in the hobby:

• The "Pink/Yellow" Morph: Features a bright pink-to-red body with a distinct yellow horizontal wash along the back and dorsal fin.

• The "Purple" Morph: A deeper magenta body with neon-blue highlights and a yellow head.

• The Markings: All males feature a delicate "scribbled" pattern of fine lines and spots on the head and dorsal area.

• The "Flash": When displaying for females or competing with other males, the colors intensify, and the edges of the fins may glow with a neon electric blue.

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Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

• The Ideal Citizen: This is one of the least aggressive fairy wrasses. It spends its day cruising the open water column and weaving through the rockwork.

• Social Structure: They are social fish that thrive when kept with their own kind. A harem setup (one male and 2–3 females) is spectacular, as it encourages the male to maintain his vibrant display colors.

• Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They will never bother corals, clams, or ornamental shrimp.

• Wrasse Community: Because it is peaceful, it should be one of the first wrasses introduced to a tank. If added after more aggressive species like a Six-line Wrasse, it may be bullied into hiding.

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Ideal Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75L–115L (20–30 Gallons) for a single, but 150L (40 Gallons) or more is better for a harem.

• Lid is Mandatory: Like all fairy wrasses, the Lubbock’s is an exceptional jumper. They are easily startled, especially when the lights go out. A tight-fitting mesh or glass lid is a must.

• Rockwork: Provide plenty of "caves and swim-throughs." They like to have a complex environment to explore and a safe place to create their mucus cocoon for sleeping at night.

• Feeding: They have high metabolisms and should be fed 2–3 times daily. Offer a variety of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality flakes/pellets.

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Why Choose the Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse?

The Lubbock’s is the "best value" fish in the reef hobby. It offers the same activity and shimmering colors as a Lineatus or Hooded Wrasse but at a fraction of the cost and with much higher resilience.