Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Flasher Wrasse - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Flasher Wrasse at a glance
Adult size: 3 inches · Min tank/pond: 55 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: carnivore · Lifespan: 5-7 years.
Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus spp.) is a popular saltwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of stable-tank experience.
Where Flasher Wrasse comes from
Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus spp.) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems. Wild populations distribute across coral reefs from East Africa through Indonesia, the Philippines, and into the western Pacific. Captive-bred Flasher Wrasse is increasingly available and is the more sustainable choice when you can find it.
Flasher Wrasse tank size and setup
Flasher Wrasse requires a minimum of 55 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 3 inches adult size and territorial range. For Flasher Wrasse, plan a mature reef tank with stable parameters, sand bed, live rock for cover, and reef LED if photosynthetic.
Water parameters for Flasher Wrasse
Flasher Wrasse requires standard reef parameters: temperature 76-80°F, specific gravity 1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-9 dKH, calcium 420-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 10 ppm. Use a refractometer (not hydrometer) to measure salinity.
What Flasher Wrasse eats
Flasher Wrasse is a carnivore. Provide frozen mysis, brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food triggers feeding response in stressed arrivals. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Flasher Wrasse tankmates and compatibility
Flasher Wrasse is best paired with peaceful reef-tank species in similar size class. Avoid known fin-nippers and large aggressive species.
Flasher Wrasse adult size and lifespan
Flasher Wrasse reaches 3 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-7 years with proper care.
Can you breed Flasher Wrasse?
Flasher Wrasse breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward to very difficult. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities.
Common Flasher Wrasse diseases and problems
Flasher Wrasse is susceptible to ich, velvet, marine flukes, and bacterial infections. Quarantine new Flasher Wrasse for 4-6 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Flasher Wrasse online
Flasher Wrasse is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Flasher Wrasse from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related saltwater species you might also keep
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