Cirrhilabrus isosceles, a new fairy wrasse

by | May 30, 2016 | Advanced Aquarist | 0 comments


Cirrhilabrus isosceles, a new fairy wrasse


Photo by Hiroshi Senou

While this fish is easily confused with Cirrhilabrus lanceolatus due to its sharply angular (AKA lanceolate) tail, genetic analysis shows C.isosceles is actually not related to C.lanceolatus but rather Cirrilabrus of the C.lunatus complex (C.cf. lunatus, C.brunneus, and C.squirei).  Several specimens have been sold through the aquarium trade (sometimes identified as C.cf lanceolatus).

The new fairy wrasse species is described in the latest publication of the Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation by “Lemon” Yi-Kai Tea, Hiroshi Senou, and Brian Greene – familiar names to many aquarists.  The paper is open access and features a lot of beautiful photographic comparisons with other Cirrhilabrus wrasses.

C. isosceles in nuptial display.  Photo by Yi-kai Tea.
C. isosceles in nuptial display. Photo by Yi-kai Tea.

  • Leonard Ho

    I'm a passionate aquarist of over 30 years, a coral reef lover, and the blog editor for Advanced Aquarist. While aquarium gadgets interest me, it's really livestock (especially fish), artistry of aquariums, and "method behind the madness" processes that captivate my attention.

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