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
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
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]