Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Filamented Flasher Wrasse, also referred to as the Filamentous Wrasse, is native to the Indo-Pacific, Soloman Islands and Christmas Island. Like all flasher wrasses in the genus Paracheilinus, the Filamented flasher wrasse is an attractive, relatively hardy, and active fish suited for reef aquaria. The Filamented flasher wrasse is among one of the most docile in the genus. The intensity of coloration in these wrasses can vary considerably with mood and geographic location of collection. Male Filamented flasher wrasses are a vibrant red, with a crescent-shaped tail and very elongated dorsal filament rays. Both males and females will have 4 to 5 narrow, horizontal reddish-blue stripes of various lengths across the body. Female Filamented flasher wrasses have more muted colors and less elaborate dorsal filaments compared to males. Filamented flasher wrasses do best when kept in groups because they are a natural shoaling fish, and this also encourages the male to showcase their best coloration. Keep one male per aquarium with two or more females. Filamented flasher wrasses can reach a size of approximately 3-1/2″.
Diet Requirements: Filamented flasher wrasses are carnivores, actively hunting tiny crustaceans (e.g., copepods) throughout the day. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, calanus and other mixed frozen foods that contain algae, such as spirulina, will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as flasher wrasses have very high metabolisms. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding can also help and in turn create more of a natural environment for a Filamented flasher wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Filamented flasher wrasses may also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.
Care Requirements: An established, minimum 30 gallon aquarium is required for a single Filamented flasher wrasse. However, a 55 gallon aquarium is preferred and an even larger tank is recommended for a group. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Filamented flasher wrasses enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through and around while they hunt. Such live rock arrangements can also help to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior. While hardy, the Filamented flasher wrasse is not tolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and an established tank also offers microinvertebrates and crustaceans that naturally accumulate over time as the aquarium ages for it to prey on. Given their peaceful and timid nature, a Filamented flasher wrasse can be easily bullied and therefore should not be kept with overly aggressive species, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources. It is best to add a single, or group, of Filamented flasher wrasses before larger or more active fish in order to allow them to acclimate to the environment and begin feeding. If you’re interested in a group, add all individuals simultaneously for the best success, or females altogether first before adding a male. Filamented flasher wrasses can be kept successfully with other species of like-temperament wrasses. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Medium: 2″ to 2-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
