Scott's Fairy Wrasse

• ExerciseVery high

  A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment5–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

Scott's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus scottorum) comes from the western and central Pacific around the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea and French Polynesia, and reaches about 12 to 13 cm, making it one of the larger fairy wrasses. Males have a green body, red-maroon dorsal region and a distinctive dark spot on the caudal fin, and they raise a broad dorsal fin during display flights across the tank. Give it 250 litres or more at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4, with strong rock structure, open water and a tightly sealed lid. Feed mysis, enriched brine, chopped seafood and quality pellets two or three times a day. It is reef safe with corals but not with very small shrimp. This species is more assertive than most fairy wrasses and can dominate smaller or shyer fish, so add it late in the stocking order and pair it with tankmates that hold their own, such as tangs, larger clownfish or angelfish.

• How active is a Scott's Fairy Wrasse?

  Very high. A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Scott's Fairy Wrasse need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Scott's Fairy Wrasse need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Scott's Fairy Wrasse a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Scott's Fairy Wrasse live?

  5–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Scott's Fairy Wrasse?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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