Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis

Datasheet

General Description

The Social Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis) belongs to the Labridae family and is recognized for its vibrant colors, making it a visually striking addition to aquariums. These fish are generally peaceful but may exhibit aggression towards closely related species. They are known to change gender from male to female and vice versa, with males displaying color changes during courtship.

Aquarium Suitability

Social Wrasses are suitable for most aquarium setups but require careful consideration when housed with aggressive tank mates. They are best kept in pairs or with one male and several females, in a tank of at least 400 liters. Due to their sensitive nature, attention should be paid to tank mates and feeding schedules, ensuring they receive a varied and high-quality diet.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

With an average hardiness level, the Social Wrasse prefers a well-established aquarium with ample hiding spots among live rocks. They thrive in environments with stable water conditions, including a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and temperatures between 22.2-25.6°C. Due to their skittish behavior, they may jump out of open tanks and are sensitive during transportation.

Reef Suitability

Known to be reef-safe, Social Wrasses are a popular choice for reef aquariums due to their bright colors and compatibility with various tank inhabitants. They contribute to the ecosystem by feeding on unwanted invertebrates like flatworms and pyramid snails while adding visual appeal to the underwater landscape.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up a tank for Social Wrasses, it is essential to provide a lid and secure overflow to prevent them from jumping. The aquarium should include plenty of hiding places, such as live rocks, to accommodate their shy and docile nature. Regular feeding, multiple times a day, is necessary to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Behaviour

These fish are known to exhibit aggressive behavior towards food competitors and might engage in rough interactions with males. Therefore, careful monitoring of their interactions is essential to maintain a harmonious tank environment. Social Wrasses are active swimmers and enjoy ample space for swimming in the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet

Social Wrasses primarily feed on small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as cyclops and pods. A varied diet is crucial to their health and color vibrancy, requiring multiple feedings throughout the day. Ensuring that they actively feed and are not outcompeted by tank mates is important for their well-being.

Dimorphism

There is a significant color variation between male and female Social Wrasses, with males displaying more vibrant hues. Their ability to change gender further adds intrigue to their biology, making them a fascinating species to observe in captive settings.

Habitat and Distribution

Social Wrasses are native to the Western Indian Ocean, ranging from the Red Sea to Oman and South Africa, with some disputed records from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Sumatra (Indonesia). They are typically found in reef environments where they can utilize hiding spots and open spaces for swimming and foraging.