Latin name

Cirrhilabrus melanomarginatus

Other name

Cirrhilabrus melanomarginatus

Identification

The blackfin fairy-warsse has an unusual skin covering on the back of its head. It is only found on older males and, like the dorsal fin, can be raised during mating games. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9.

Fish colouring

Males have a dark body with some white on the belly, dorsal and anal fins are red with a black border. Females are purple with a black spot on the top of the caudal fin.

Distribution

Widespread in the western Pacific: Malaysia (Layang-Layang Atoll), Philippines (Palawan), Taiwan and Japan (Ryukyu and Izu Islands).

Habitat

Marine tropical species associated with reefs. Depths from 6 to 40 metres.

Size

The maximum length of these fish is 13 centimetres.

Behavior

Usually found on rocky bottoms.

Food and feeding habits

The main diet of the blackfin fairy-warsse consists of Amphipods, shrimp, copepods, Daphnia salina.

Reproduction

This species shows clear mating during breeding.

Fishing

This species is commercially important in fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.