Solar Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis)

Solar Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis)

Discover the Radiant Solar Wrasse

The Solar Wrasse, also known as the Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse or Clown Fairy Wrasse, is a brilliantly colored and peaceful reef-safe species that brings constant motion and vibrant color to any marine aquarium. Known for their shimmering hues and peaceful demeanor, these wrasses are ideal for both beginner and advanced hobbyists looking to add energy and elegance to their reef or fish-only setup.

Appearance: The Solar Wrasse boasts an iridescent palette that includes shades of electric blue, green, yellow, and red. Males display the most intense coloration, especially during courtship displays, with a red to orange face, bluish body, and elongated fin rays. Females and juveniles are typically more subdued, showing a blend of yellow, blue, and pink tones. This dramatic difference in coloration between sexes adds visual diversity to the aquarium.

Behavior: Solar Wrasses are peaceful, active swimmers that spend their day cruising the mid to upper levels of the aquarium. They are non-aggressive and do well in community tanks. Like many fairy wrasses, they sleep in the sand or rockwork at night and benefit from having plenty of hiding places. They can be jumpers, so a tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent escape.

Diet: Solar Wrasses are carnivores and thrive on a varied diet rich in meaty foods. Offer a mix of high-quality marine pellets, flakes, and frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily to support their active metabolism and maintain vibrant coloration.

Tank Requirements: A minimum tank size of 55 gallons is recommended for a Solar Wrasse. The aquarium should include live rock for grazing and hiding, as well as open swimming space. Moderate to strong water flow and stable water conditions are important for their overall health and behavior.

Tankmates: Solar Wrasses are peaceful and compatible with a wide variety of reef-safe tankmates, including clownfish, gobies, tangs, anthias, and other fairy wrasses. Avoid housing them with aggressive fish or other wrasses with similar coloration, unless introduced at the same time. Keeping one male with several females is ideal, but it can be challenging to find sexed groups.

Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Solar Wrasses are reef-safe and will not harm corals or invertebrates. Their constant activity and bright coloration make them a favorite in reef aquariums. They may occasionally pick at tiny copepods or amphipods, but they pose no threat to ornamental shrimp, crabs, or coral polyps.

Max Size: Solar Wrasses grow up to 5 inches (13 cm) in length, making them a perfect fit for medium to large reef aquariums.

Origin: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Indonesia and the Solomon Islands, Solar Wrasses inhabit coral-rich reef slopes and lagoons, where they swim in loose harems among the rocks and rubble.

Interesting Facts:

• Males intensify their colors dramatically during mating displays or when asserting dominance.

• Solar Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change from female to male in the absence of a dominant male.

• Their vibrant colors appear even more intense under reef lighting, making them true display fish.

Disclaimer: Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.