Rosy-scales fairy-wrasse

The rosy-scales fairy-wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis), also known as the red velvet fairy wrasse, is a species of wrasse native to the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean.^[2] It is found at mesophotic reefs at depths between 41 and 70 m (135–230 ft).^[2][3]

Rosy-scales fairy-wrasse
Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis (male in circular close-up, females marked by white arrows) and anthias
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Labriformes
Family:	Labridae
Genus:	Cirrhilabrus
Species:	C. rubrisquamis
Binomial name
Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis J. E. Randall & Emery, 1983

C. rubrisquamis can reach a standard length of 7.2 cm (2.8 in).^[3] It is considered data deficient by the IUCN,^[1] and is generally very poorly know, but it is possible that the similar C. wakanda (described as a new species from coastal East Africa in 2019) is a junior synonym of C. rubrisquamis.^[2] Conversely, C. rubrisquamis was formerly considered to occur in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, but in 2022 this population was described as a new species C. finifenmaa.^[2]