WRASSE EXPERTS: Need ID

[Ira]

Hey Wrasse Experts,

Picked this random up at the LFS they had no idea what it was, it was not on their order lists and all that I know is that is a female flasher/fairy wrasse. I have a peaceful tank and want to get more of these wrasses so I though it would be fun to see what this turned into. Pictures are cellphone pics, I hope they are good enough for IDs.

Thanks!

Ira

 

[Marshall O]

It's definitely a Cirrhilabrus "female" (appears to be in the beginning stages of transitioning to a male). Although there are a number of females that look the same as yours, I am leaning towards a C. flavidorsalis.

 

[Ira]

I was leaning toward that, lubbocki or adornataus, but I cannot find pictures of any of those where the females have thin blue stripes on their heads. It is hard to see, but if you look at the last picture you can see the hints of thin electric blue stripes running down its body, these jump out like gangbusters in person but I could not capture them with my camera

I don't have a lot of experience with these fish and have not seen many in person, but based on the presence of these stripes and the pictures I can find via google, it makes me scratch my head a bit.

 

[eatbreakfast]

It's a female in the lubbocki complex, which includes the species listed above. Those blue stripes you mention don't show up as often in photos, but are more evident under actinics. Another possible species is rubripinnis, though I am leaning towards the previous species.

Temperament is peaceful except adornatus, which some say is aggressive. I have never had an issue with it, but others have, so take that for what its worth.

 

[evolved]

I say rubripinnis; explains both the blue lines and the yellow present on the belly.