Cirrhilabrus sp.2(Kwazulu) vs. Cirrhilabrus sp.3 (Kenyan) fairy wrasses

[n8ureman]

I was lucky enough to be able to obtain one of the Kwazulu fairy wrasses available recently (mine came from blue zoo). I was doing some research on the web to try to find out more about my new little beauty (which is not easy as there is not a lot written about them) and what little I did find out left me with more questions than answers, so if any of my understanding about this is wrong please correct me. It is my understanding that there are two separate undescribed species both in the rubriventralis complex that are found in African waters,the first is known as Cirrhilabrus sp.2 commonly called the Kwazulu fairy wrasse,and is found in the waters off the coast of the Kwazulu Natal province in South Africa. Then farther north there is the second species, Cirrhilabrus sp.3 which is known as the Kenyan fairy wrasse.And it is also my understanding that there is no collecting for the commercial trade in the waters off Kwazulu Natal, but there are collecting stations in Kenya.So my question is if this in fact the case, are the fish in the hobby actually the Kenyan fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus sp.3) and therfore not "true" Kwazulu fairy wrasse? What is also confusing is that I have read that the Kwazulu faires sometimes come in with McCoskers flasher wrasses collected in Kenyan waters. Are the Kwazulu fairies found that far north?

 

[jaa1456]

I know there is a lot of dispute on them being the same exact fish just a different color variant, as seen in some Indo fairies. I have what they call a true Kwazulu wrasse, I do know the coloring is much darker than the Kenyan wrasse, at least in the Juvi/female. I have seen a Kwazulu supermale that is or was for sale locally here. I can tell you that the supermale is definitely different than the Kenyan supermale.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

can somebody please post pix of these fishes?

 

[auem]

can both of you post pictures of your wrasses.?..we can have a good comparison then...

 

[DFS]

In my observation and personal opinion the KwaZulu Fairy Wrasse- Cirrhilabrus sp 2 and Kenyan Fairy Wrasse Cirrhilabrus sp 3 are just regional variants of the same species of fish, that have yet to be identified. Rudie Kuiter makes the distinction (weather warranted or not) between the sp 2 and sp 3.

In my experience with working with Labroids for many years, the biggest hurdle in identifying some "similar looking fishes" by a photograph is the fact that these fishes often change coloration drastically depending on their sex, age, and maturity. To compound matters further these drastic color changes are also exemplified based on the fishes mood, and are at the peak when the fish is displaying in their nuptial coloration. This makes looking at pictures of fishes that are very similar in morphology almost impossible to identify unless DNA analysis is performed.

According to the most recent transcripts by one of the leading authorizes on Labroids, Hiroyuki Tanaka, and I am paraphrasing here- This has also been suggested by Dr. Gerry Allen, who believes that these fishes should just be a variant of Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis. His statements were based on observing a few specimen sent to him by Tanaka that were harvested in Kenya, but Allen went onto say that further DNA analysis is warranted.

Below is a picture of a fully mature, large male in my office aquarium that was harvested in Kenya, and I call the KwaZulu Fairy Wrasse. Sorry for the plastered water mark in advance......

Kindest regards,
Kevin Kohen

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

thanks, Kevin :wavehand:

 

[n8ureman]

Thanks to all who have replied. I am that much closer to putting all the information I have gathered together! Kevin, after reading what you wrote and considering that specimens that are being collected in Kenya, are still considered Kwazulu fairies (because of physical charachteristics?) at the very least one would expect a decent level of genetic mixing between the two, (assuming they are in fact genetically distinct species) I was also wondering if anyone is working on the taxonomy of these two, and preforming DNA testing? That paper would be an interesting read (for a fish nerd like myself!!)

Congrats Kevin for receiving aquarist of the year at MACNA! I don't know a more deserving person for this title! Thank you for all you and LA/DD have done for this hobby!!

 

[jaa1456]

I will try to post pics, but my wrasse doesn't like to sit around.

 

[DFS]

Kevin, after reading what you wrote and considering that specimens that are being collected in Kenya, are still considered Kwazulu fairies (because of physical charachteristics?)

I agree with taxonomists and scientists who are not "splitters", but rather recognize color variation in morphologically identical fish. Secondly, the most recognized common name for this East African Fairy Wrasse is KwaZulu- ie. sp 2. I guess we could call the fish The KwaZulu Kenyan Rubriventralis Variant Fairy Wrasse but that name may be a bit much :eek1:....

I was also wondering if anyone is working on the taxonomy of these two, and preforming DNA testing? That paper would be an interesting read (for a fish nerd like myself!!)?)

I cannot speak as to the plans for this fish but I also would very much like to see this happen and would thoroughly enjoy reading the paper!

Congrats Kevin for receiving aquarist of the year at MACNA! I don't know a more deserving person for this title! Thank you for all you and LA/DD have done for this hobby!!

Thank you very much for your kind words, I am very thankful and humbled to be the recipient of this years prestigious award.

Kevin Kohen