The Story
Lineatus Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus lineatus)
The Lineatus Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus lineatus, is a premium reef-safe fairy wrasse prized for its elegant lavender-pink body, yellow dorsal tones and fine purple line-and-spot patterning. Also known as the Lineatus Fairy Wrasse or Purple-lined Wrasse, this Coral Sea species is one of the most desirable Cirrhilabrus wrasses in the marine aquarium hobby. It is active, colourful and generally peaceful, making it an excellent display fish for mature reef aquariums with open swimming space, stable water quality and a secure lid.
Common Name:
Lineatus Wrasse, Lineatus Fairy Wrasse, Purple-lined Wrasse, Purplelined Wrasse, Linespot Fairy Wrasse.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Cirrhilabrus lineatus
Maximum Size:
Up to around 12 cm.
Water Type:
Marine
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Pacific, particularly the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef region. Naturally found on coral-rich reefs and outer reef slopes, where it swims above reef structure and rubble areas while feeding on small planktonic foods in the water column.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025
Temperament:
Peaceful to mildly assertive. It is generally suitable for reef communities, but males may display towards other fairy wrasses, flasher wrasses or similarly shaped fish. Avoid aggressive tank mates that may bully it, and take care when mixing multiple wrasses in smaller aquariums.
Diet:
Planktivorous carnivore. In the aquarium, offer frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, cyclops, calanus, finely chopped krill, quality marine pellets and other small meaty foods. Small regular feeds help maintain colour, energy and body condition.
Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 300 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred if keeping other wrasses or a busy reef community. Provide open swimming room, mature rockwork, caves and crevices for retreat.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time moving through the water column above rockwork and reef structure. Males may intensify colour and display to females or rival wrasses. Unlike sand-burying wrasses, fairy wrasses usually sleep in rockwork or sheltered crevices rather than burying in the substrate. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential, as this species is a strong jumper when startled.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Safe with corals and most ornamental invertebrates. It does not nip coral tissue and is well suited to peaceful reef aquariums. Very tiny planktonic crustaceans may be eaten as part of its natural diet, but it is generally compatible with snails, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimps and typical reef invertebrates.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A secure lid is essential. Provide stable water quality, good oxygenation, open swimming space and plenty of rockwork retreats. If mixing with other fairy or flasher wrasses, introduce carefully and avoid keeping very similar males together unless the aquarium is large with multiple territory breaks. This is a premium wrasse, so careful acclimation, quarantine and feeding observation are recommended. Colour intensity may vary with sex, age, mood and display behaviour.
Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers
Availability:
Rare or occasional in trade
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
Lineatus Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus lineatus)
The Lineatus Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus lineatus, is a premium reef-safe fairy wrasse prized for its elegant lavender-pink body, yellow dorsal tones and fine purple line-and-spot patterning. Also known as the Lineatus Fairy Wrasse or Purple-lined Wrasse, this Coral Sea species is one of the most desirable Cirrhilabrus wrasses in the marine aquarium hobby. It is active, colourful and generally peaceful, making it an excellent display fish for mature reef aquariums with open swimming space, stable water quality and a secure lid.
Common Name:
Lineatus Wrasse, Lineatus Fairy Wrasse, Purple-lined Wrasse, Purplelined Wrasse, Linespot Fairy Wrasse.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Cirrhilabrus lineatus
Maximum Size:
Up to around 12 cm.
Water Type:
Marine
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Pacific, particularly the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef region. Naturally found on coral-rich reefs and outer reef slopes, where it swims above reef structure and rubble areas while feeding on small planktonic foods in the water column.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025
Temperament:
Peaceful to mildly assertive. It is generally suitable for reef communities, but males may display towards other fairy wrasses, flasher wrasses or similarly shaped fish. Avoid aggressive tank mates that may bully it, and take care when mixing multiple wrasses in smaller aquariums.
Diet:
Planktivorous carnivore. In the aquarium, offer frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, cyclops, calanus, finely chopped krill, quality marine pellets and other small meaty foods. Small regular feeds help maintain colour, energy and body condition.
Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 300 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred if keeping other wrasses or a busy reef community. Provide open swimming room, mature rockwork, caves and crevices for retreat.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time moving through the water column above rockwork and reef structure. Males may intensify colour and display to females or rival wrasses. Unlike sand-burying wrasses, fairy wrasses usually sleep in rockwork or sheltered crevices rather than burying in the substrate. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential, as this species is a strong jumper when startled.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Safe with corals and most ornamental invertebrates. It does not nip coral tissue and is well suited to peaceful reef aquariums. Very tiny planktonic crustaceans may be eaten as part of its natural diet, but it is generally compatible with snails, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimps and typical reef invertebrates.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A secure lid is essential. Provide stable water quality, good oxygenation, open swimming space and plenty of rockwork retreats. If mixing with other fairy or flasher wrasses, introduce carefully and avoid keeping very similar males together unless the aquarium is large with multiple territory breaks. This is a premium wrasse, so careful acclimation, quarantine and feeding observation are recommended. Colour intensity may vary with sex, age, mood and display behaviour.
Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers
Availability:
Rare or occasional in trade
All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
