Another Rare Beauty

Miguel’s Diving staff have confirmed the presence of Redhead fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis) in Gorontalo waters. The color of its back varies considerably from aqua to green to orange. Found only occasionally in Gorontalo, it mixes with schools of our plentiful endemic Orangeback wrasse (Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis). In its nuptial phase it is quite distinct with red head, white belly, and dark chin strap. In Tomini Bay where Miguel’s Diving operates, this wildly colored plankton feeder remains in its nuptial phase coloring. In other locations this coloration is only occasional. It is endemic to central Indonesia, being found only from Bali and Sulawesi to Flores.