Monsoon Aquatics has collected a small number of Randall’s Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus randalli) while on their vessel San Pasquale II by Skipper Dane Bulder and his crew Sam and John!
Cirrhilabrus randalli is a species of fairy wrasse that was described as far back as 1995, but so far has been mostly absent from the aquarium hobby. What makes this wrasse so unique other than its wide variety of colors is that to Monsoon’s knowledge this specimen has not been collected in the northern part of Western Australia since 2018 making it quite the rare find indeed.
Unlike some newer or rare fairy wrasses which are very similar to related species, Cirrhilabrus randalli has a bright magenta colored body and a large, longitudinal stripe across its sides. Some related species of fairy wrasses to Randall’s fairy wrasse include C. aurantidorsalis which has a golden yellow marking on the top of its body, and C. luteovittatus which also has a yellow on its flank, albeit smaller and with a varying degree of brightness to the yellow patch.
Typically thought of as a reef safe fish despite their rarity alludes to the fact, they are a very nice inhabitant for the home aquarium- IF you find one. With that being said I have not seen one myself personally in captivity during my travels across the US, internationally nor when I owned a store. It is quite the rare gem indeed, with the opportunity to own one if Monsoon has any more available, I would say LFS will be seeking them out now with this potential location being permitted for collection should they miss the opportunity this time around.
Normally observed in groups around reef rubble, these are social fish living together on the reef in Western Australia. Like most Fairy specimens jumping is a concern, so be ready with your own glass tops to ensure your rare gem is safe within your home aquarium. Plenty of rockwork to swim through and places to seek shelter at night are ideal as they do create a slime cocoon while sleeping.
We seldom see Cirrhilabrus randalli due to their limited distribution centered around the Rowley Shoals of northwest Australia, and it was at some far-flung reefs outside Darwin that the previous collection was reported nearly 7 years ago. As the saying goes, if you have to ask how much…. Certainly, these fish are within reach of a limited number of well heeled aquarists. We look forward to seeing images of these wrasse as they mature in someone’s lovely reef.
