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Flamboyant fishes evolved an explosion of color as seas rose and fell

The feisty fairy wrasses became a neon kaleidoscope thanks to a coral reef "species pump"

male fairy wrasse fish

Male fairy wrasses (Cirrhilabrus) vary widely in their bright color patterns, as seen in this assortment of many different fairy wrasse species.

Yi-Kai Tea

By Jake Buehler

- More than 2 years ago

Fairy wrasses are swimming jewels, flitting and flouncing about coral reefs.