Claire's fairy wrasse
📖 Overview
Claire's fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus claire), first described by Randall & Pyle, 2001 is a small fish in the family Labridae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 8.40 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 55 to 100 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Labridae kept in the hobby.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,9; A III,9; pectoral fin rays 15; dorsal fin with progressively longer spines, the last 2.2 in head; in males the interspinous membranes not reaching above spine tips; caudal fin rounded; pelvic fin of male 3.0 in SL, of female 4.6 in SL; lateral line scales 17+6; colour of male yellowish dorsally, shading on side to pale lavender-pink; head dusky yellow with purple bands; dorsal fin mainly orange-red with a violet band at base and a narrow dark red margin on spinous and anterior soft portion of fin; caudal fin red with broad distal yellow border containing a submarginal dusky zone in central part; female orange-pink, head suffused with yellow dorsally; a purple band from corner of mouth to upper end of gill opening, then continuing ventrally on edge of opercle; dorsal fin yellow; caudal fin orange, shading outwardly to yellow .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Claire's fairy wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 55 - 100 m . Tropical Central Pacific: Cook Islands and French Polynesia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Claire's fairy wrasse.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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