Paracheilinus
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Paracheilinus filamentosus, Filamented Flasher Wrasse. Scott W. Michael
Family: Labridae
Species in Genus Paracheilinus:
- Blue Flasher Wrasse
- Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse
- Filamented Flasher Wrasse
- Lyretail Flasher Wrasse
FLASHER WRASSES
Flasher wrasses are ideal candidates for most reef aquariums. They will not bother invertebrates (although larger individuals may eat smaller anemone shrimps, like Periclimenes species).
They spend most of their time in the water column and serve as dither fish, encouraging shy fishes to spend more time in the open. They readily adapt to captivity, especially if housed with other peaceful fishes.
They are best kept in small groups, but add all at the same time to a larger tank (180 gallons [684 L] or more) or put the females in first. Keeping more than one male can be tricky, and males of different species may quarrel. With the possible exception of close relatives (e.g., fairy wrasses) or other small planktivores, flasher wrasses are rarely aggressive toward tankmates.
Feed them at least twice a day. They are more likely to “flash” (flare their fins) if kept in groups or if the wrasse can see its reflection (a mirror on the side of the tank works, although if it is kept there all the time, the flasher will become habituated). Flashers form a mucus cocoon at night. Beware, they will jump out of an open aquarium.