What fairy wrasse do I have?

[rishu_pepper]

Recently I acquired a fairy wrasse from a LFS, but I am not sure what species it is, as there are conflicting images/information on the web.

Here it was in the bag:

Google led me to Katherine's Fairy (male) wrasse, as the picture from this website looks almost identical to my fish:

http://www.qualitymarine.com/Produc...irrhilabrus-katherinae/Katherine's-Fairy-Male

But it doesn't look anything like this in other websites that Google showed when searching for Cirrhilabrus Katherinae...

Does anyone know if it is indeed Katherine's wrasse, or is it something entirely different?

FWIW the wrasse is very healthy and is the most friendly fish I've ever owned. Within a couple days it always comes over when I put my face near the tank! Eats very well and extremely colourful. My melanurus isn't too happy with its existence though, but no damage done so far, and chasing has decreased.

Thanks for your help!

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Does it look like this?
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?c=720&pCatId=1555
Lately there has been a large supply of Temenick's wrasses and they sell in a $35-$45 range.

 

[evolved]

C. temminckii

 

[rishu_pepper]

Thank you, it does look like temminicki. Mine is very purple. Does that mean it's a terminal colour phase male? How much does one usually go for in the US?

A related question, if I add a female cirrhilabrus of another sort, will that increase its tendency to display and keep its vibrant colours?

 

[evolved]

It's a male yes; likely terminal (impossible to determine visually with absolutely certainly).

If you add a female of a different Cirrhilabrus species, yes; but that female will likely transition to male as well. Not necessarily a problem though, provided you choose a species which isn't as aggressive as temminckii can be.

 

[rishu_pepper]

Here's a couple more pics I took just now.

A really beautiful and friendly fish, I love the guy!

Is it an aggressive species? So far it's been very peaceful, just minding its own business. Eats well too.

If I add a pair of another species of cirrhilabrus, then maybe it's a better idea?

 

[evolved]

Is it an aggressive species?

Relative to other Cirrhilabrus, a bit on the aggressive side, but not the worst offender.

If I add a pair of another species of cirrhilabrus, then maybe it's a better idea?

I wouldn't bother with pairs, but males (or single females) of different Cirrhilabrus species would be okay, provided you choose carefully. You can Google a bit more on that with "cirrhilabrus complexes".