Checking vendor inventory…
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.
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. 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 needs a tank of at least 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. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
The Filamented Flasher Wrasse is rated beginner difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 55 gallons, a temperature of 74-82°F and salinity of 1.024-1.026. Adults reach about 3.5" and live 5-7 years. Filamented flasher wrasse males develop extreme dorsal fin extensions (the "filaments" that give the species its name) used in spectacular courtship displays.
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. Filaments grow with male maturity over 6-12 months and are an indicator of stable, well-fed condition.
Jumping; filament damage from net handling; aggression between males. Keeper note: Same care as other flasher wrasses. Filaments grow with male maturity over 6-12 months and are an indicator of stable, well-fed condition. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
Fast Aquatics vendors ship live marine fish overnight to all 50 US states with carrier-tracked Buyer Protection.
Get drop alerts → Are you a vendor? Apply →