Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Linespot Flasher Wrasse, also referred to as the Blue Flasher Wrasse or Dot Dash Flasher Wrasse, is native to the western Pacific. Like all flasher wrasses in the genus Paracheilinus, the Linespot flasher wrasse is an attractive, relatively hardy, and active fish suited for reef aquaria. The Linespot flasher wrasse is among one of the most docile in the genus. The intensity of coloration in these wrasses can vary considerably with mood. Male Linespot flasher wrasses are typically vibrant, having an overall red body with subdued blue running along the length of it. The dorsal fin has 4 to 8 red filaments off of it, and these change color during courtship behavior. The body of the male will also “flash” colors rapidly during courtship, hence why this wrasse got the name Flasher. Female Linespot flasher wrasses have more muted colors and less elaborate dorsal fins. Linespot 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. Linespot flasher wrasses can reach a size of approximately 3″.

Diet Requirements: Linespot 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 Linespot flasher wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Linespot 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 Linespot 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. Linespot 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. The Linespot 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 Linespot 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 Linespot 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. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 2-1/2″; Large: 2-1/2″ to 3″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.