Peacock wrasse

About

The peacock wrasse (Cirrhilabrus temminckii) is one of the fairy wrasses that tends to stop people in their tracks, and for good reason. Males develop elaborate, elongated fin filaments and a vivid color pattern that shifts depending on their mood and social situation. These fish essentially wear their status on their fins. Like most fairy wrasses, they are active, open-water swimmers that spend much of their day darting through the water column, which makes them engaging fish to watch but also means they need a tank with decent horizontal swimming space. They are reef-safe in the traditional sense, showing no interest in corals or sessile invertebrates, which makes them a natural fit for reef setups. That said, they can be nippy toward smaller or more passive species, so tankmate selection deserves some thought. Males can also be aggressive toward other fairy wrasses, particularly similar-looking species, so keeping multiple males together is generally a recipe for trouble. This species is considered intermediate rather than beginner territory, partly because fairy wrasses as a group tend to be jumpers, and a secure lid is genuinely non-negotiable. Given appropriate tankmates and a covered aquarium, peacock wrasses are rewarding fish that settle in well and show plenty of personality.