Cirrhilabrus balteatus

Cirrhilabrus balteatus,[2] the girdled fairy-wrasse, is a species of fish found in the aquarium trade.[2] In the wild, they are found in the Western Pacific Ocean near the Marshall Islands, but population numbers are unknown.[1] They are usually found at a depth between 25 – 85 feet (8 – 25 m) in shallow lagoons and seaward reefs where rubble collects.[2] The species grows to be about 4 inches in length, and it feeds on zooplankton. Female Cirrhilabrus balteatus are drab reddish-pink with a white belly, while males have a body that varies in colors from purple to pink or greenish-yellow.[2]

Cirrhilabrus balteatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Labriformes
Family: Labridae
Genus: Cirrhilabrus
Species:
C. balteatus
Binomial name
Cirrhilabrus balteatus
Randall, 1988

It is likely the aquarium trade is causing a decline in wild populations, as members of the species are very valuable.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Cirrhilabrus balteatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d "Section: Fish Library: Group: Wrasses: Species: Cirrhilabrus balteatus (Girdled Fairy Wrasse)". www.saltcorner.com. Retrieved 2022-05-08.