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