If I had the $$ and the tank....

This is what I would buy...How Beautiful!

Bellus Angel- Female

 

Well it's pretty, downright awesome actually! But $200? I doubt it. I don't think I'd ever take the chance. No matter how beautiful the specimen...

Unless I won the powerball of course ;D

 

Now me, I would get this...

Lineatus Fairy Wrasse

 

WOW that's pretty too!!!!!!!!! OK who wants to buy some powerball tix with me ;D Brandon, you game?? LOL j/k

 

I know where one is right now close to you for $50

 

Motivated me...future "FOTM" - (Ummm, just might be room in main tank for one more fish. - will have to see how taxes go...then one just might show up.)

Lineatus Fairy Wrasse ​

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(Cirrhilabrus lineatus) ​

"...Cirrhilabrus species, commonly known as fairy wrasses throughout the hobby, these popular fish are some of the gaudiest colored marine fish. In addition to the extraordinary coloration of these fish, their personality is generally outgoing. These two elements, combined with their relatively small size, create highly sought after fish. In some instances, these fish have been referred to as the "holy grail" of marine ornamentals...."

(The Fairy Wrasses: Cirrhilabrus spp., by Harry C. Shultz III - ReefKeeping)​

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Actiniform
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes
Family: Labridae


Latin Name: Cirrhilabrus lineatus

Common Name: Lineatus Fairy Wrasse

A.K.A.: Lined Fairy Wrasse, Purplelined Fairy Wrasse or Lavender Fairy Wrasse

Habitat: Natural geographic location: Is found in the Southwestern Pacific; Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and Loyalty Islands where it inhabits outer reef slopes at a depth of 20 – 55 meters. A female was collected as a holotype from Mato Pass, New Caledonia in 1979, and Cirrhilabrus lineatus was described by Randall & Lubbock in 1982.

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Animal-World Species
World Distribution Maps ​

Status: These fish are not listed in the IUNC Red List.

Description: The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse is sexually dimorphic. The body of the males is bluish overall with many lines around the head, numerous fine dots on the sides, and the abdomen is yellowish. There are long blue stripes on back and abdomen and a short blue stripe at the caudal peduncle. The head is yellowish; the caudal fin is yellowish with many fine dots, and the dorsal and anal fins are bright yellow. There is a prominent black spot on the anterior base of dorsal fin. The pectoral fins are translucent while the pelvic fins are very long and yellow, and bluish black posteriorly.

Length/Diameter of fish: Adults will reach 12 cm (4.7 inches).

Maintenance difficulty and compatibility: No technical care is needed to keep this wrasse in captivity; it will accept almost any food and is easy to feed. It is not a shy fish but it will quickly dart into a crevice when a danger approaches. The tank should be well decorated with rocks/ corals providing many hiding places. It may jump out of the tank and so it should be firmly covered on the top..
It would be a good choice for any reef-type aquarium, doing well in coral-rich tank with sessile inverts and/ or a fish community tank, but it may harm some small species of shrimps. Select tank mates that are not very aggressive. Larger and rather territorial angelfishes like the members of Centropyge, Apolemichthys, Genicanthus, Chaetodontoplus and Pygoplites will be acceptable. Smaller cardinalfishes, gobies, tilefishes, butterflyfishes, fairy basslets, other fairies and flasher wrasses, etc. can be kept together.
I have kept several specimens of this species; all males in a fish only tank with some several fairy and flasher wrasses without any problem.

Foods: Meaty foods, dried flakes, and dried shrimps are favorable foods and it will also feed on tablets. If kept with too large or aggressive fish species it may not take any food, except perhaps in the corner or behind rocks.

Maintenance: Like all wrasses, the Purplelined Fairy Wrasse is very energetic so needs frequent feedings. Feed at least twice a day. As it does not harm any polyp of stony or soft corals, it is an excellent tank mate for reef aquariums. Make sure there is open space for free swimming and many crevices to hide in.
Frequent water changes are not needed. When doing water changes, it will tolerate a sudden small change but the water temperature should be kept the same.

Minimum Tank Length/Size: The tank size of at least 60x30x30 cm should be provided.

Light: It can be kept under strong lights or in a dim-light tank..

Temperature: Keep the water temperature at around 75 - 79° F (24 - 26° C). This species lives in tropical to subtropical areas, but higher than 84° F (29° C) or below 68° F (20° C) would not be good.

Water Movement: Water movement is not a significant condition, but slow-moving water is recommended as it needs a slow flow in the tank to feed.

Water Region: It usually is actively swimming near the bottom and it will venture to the surface for foods.

Social Behaviors: The species of Cirrhilabrus live in their natural habitat by forming a harem of one dominant male, several females and juveniles. The Purplelined Fairy Wrasse can be seen solitarily or in a small group but is a deepwater dweller. They are not uncommon in their natural habitat and dwell in waters of 20-55 meters.

Sex: The Purplelined Fairy Wrasses are sexually dimorphic. While the males body is more bluish, the female has a pinkish body. See the description section above for more detailed information.

Breeding/Reproduction: It has not yet been aquacultured.

Cost: $$$$ - can be up to $300 or more.
(Note: My LFS, The Shark Reef, Silverdale, Wa. sells them usually ~$125...)




"...The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse originates from the waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. They are very colorful, peaceful fish, that are not seen too often in the aquarium hobby. The dominant male of this species is more brilliantly colored when compared to the female/sub-dominant male. The female/sub-dominant male of this species has multiple blue horizontal lines covering the head and body, which break into spots as they progress towards the tail. The female/sub-dominant male will change into a dominant male if incorporated into the aquarium as the only fish of this species. These wrasse are one of the most beautiful fish in their family, and are highly sought after among many enthusiasts.
The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse is a very peaceful, active fish that will bring both color and activity to a fish-only or reef aquarium of 50 gallons or larger. They will not harm corals or invertebrates making them the ideal candidate for the reef aquarium. These wrasse like to jump, so a tight fitting canopy is recommended.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Meals should consist of a variety of feeder shrimp, flaked foods, and marine meats..."

(LiveAquaria.com)​

Photos Courtesy: Hiroyuki Tanaka



And not to overlook my current tank "show fish"...a cousin...(never miss chance to show off! )

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(Hawaiian Flame Wrasse - "FOTM" - Sep '07)​

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i would build me a 50,000g black tip shark pool

 

I had a hard time getting 100bucks out of hubby for the lights 50 for a fish nah I'll pass thanks;D

 

Scott are you going to a world record in post length LOL

J

 

Crap...sorry, I just can't help self once I get excited about doing post and about fish (and or tank)

Is the "Bi-Polar' in me.

PM me when it appears I am getting too carried away...

At least here I won't get tossed in jail (I hope.)...





Scott