The species Cirrhilabrus exquisitus, as its name implies, is a beautiful wrasse that is very popular among aquarists.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 11 cm
color
Green-red with distinctive black spots on upper half of caudal peduncle. Red concentrated on head and in broad band over pectoral base. Fine blue line under eye, and under caudal peduncle spot; two blue lines obliquely across pectoral base. Males more colourful.
This species can be found on rubble bottoms in areas with strong currents at depths ranging from 6-32 meters. It tends to form groups on reefs and feeds on zooplankton.
distinctive characters
This species has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 8-9 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 9 rays, a pectoral fin with 14-16 rays, a body depth of 3.2-3.5 in standard length, a rear opercular margin that is finely serrate, and a pupil of the eye that is double. The caudal fin of juveniles is rounded, while that of adults is double emarginate.