Cirrhilabrus blatteus
{{Short description|Species of fairy wrasse}}
{{Speciesbox
| taxon = Cirrhilabrus blatteus
| authority = V. G. Springer & J. E. Randall, 1974
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
}}
Cirrhilabrus blatteus or the purple-boned wrasse{{Cite web|url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cirrhilabrus/classification/|title=ADW: Cirrhilabrus: CLASSIFICATION|website=animaldiversity.org|access-date=2019-07-15}} is a species of fairy wrasse native to the coasts of Egypt, Eritrea, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Yemen in the Gulf of Aqaba.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reeflex.net/tiere/9957_Cirrhilabrus_blatteus.htm|title=Cirrhilabrus blatteus Purple-boned wrasse|website=www.reeflex.net|access-date=2019-07-15}} The species can be found at depths of 40 to 50 meters.
Etymology
The species is named for its purple fins, as blatteus is Latin for the color purple. The fins are stained purple using alcohol, which makes it unique in its genus.{{Cite web|url=https://reefs.com/2016/04/08/epithet-etymology-purple-boned-fairy-wrasse/|title=Epithet etymology: The Purple-boned Fairy Wrasse|last=T.Y.K|first=Lemon|date=2016-04-08|website=Reefs.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-15}} The fins are not purple when the fish are alive.
Description
The species can grow up to 6.3 inches or 16 centimeters. Males are known for a purple stripe that runs down the length of the body.{{Cite web|url=https://reefbuilders.com/2012/01/09/closer-extremely-elusive-cirrhilabrus-blatteus/|title=A closer look at the extremely elusive Cirrhilabrus blatteus|date=2012-01-09|website=Reef Builders {{!}} The Reef and Marine Aquarium Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-15}} The caudal fin is yellow. The species thrive in temperatures of 71.6–82.4 degrees Fahrenheit (22–28 degrees Celsius).
Biology
Cirrhilabrus blatteus is found above rock and coral bottoms, usually within 1-2m of the substrate where it feeds on zooplankton. The males hold territories and guard herams of females.{{FishBase|Cirrhilabrus|blatteus|month=August|year=2019}}