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Filamented flasher wrasse males develop extreme dorsal fin extensions (the "filaments" that give the species its name) used in spectacular courtship displays. The combination of trailing filaments and brilliant red/blue coloration makes them among the most photographed reef fish in the hobby.
Native range: Western Pacific. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs — approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade. The Filamented Flasher Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Flasher wrasse grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.
Tank size: 55 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) — 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Lid: tight-fitting, gap-free. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies — a single 1cm gap is enough.
Flow: moderate to moderately strong is preferred by most wrasses — they evolved on current-swept reefs. Lighting: standard reef LED works for all wrasses; the fish itself does not require special spectrum.
Carnivore — mysis, brine, copepods, pellets. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss — schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.
Safe: Reef-safe community.
Avoid: Other Paracheilinus males; small shrimp during aggressive courtship.
Not captive bred. Most wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites — born female, transition to male as they reach social dominance in a group. Tank breeding of wrasses is rare due to the complex behaviors and pelagic egg-laying that resists captive replication.
Jumping; filament damage from net handling; aggression between males.
Sexual selection — males with longer dorsal/anal fin extensions perform more impressive courtship displays.
Stable parameters, varied diet, no fin-nippers in the community, careful handling during transfers.
Generally no — males of either species will treat the other as a rival.
6-12 months of stable husbandry from juvenile.
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