Filamentosus Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus filamentosus) The Filamentosus Flasher Wrasse, Paracheilinus filamentosus, is a colourful, active and reef-safe marine wrasse admired for the male’s dramatic courtship displays, extended dorsal filaments and vivid red, orange, blue and purple flashing colours. Also known as the Filamented Flasher Wrasse, Filament-fin Wrasse or Filamentous Wrasse, this Indo-Pacific species brings movement and natural display behaviour to peaceful reef aquariums. It is generally peaceful and coral safe, but it needs a covered aquarium, regular feeding and calm tank mates to thrive. Common Name:Filamentosus Flasher Wrasse, Filamented Flasher Wrasse, Filament-fin Wrasse, Filamentous Wrasse, Whip-fin Flasher Wrasse. Scientific Name (Latin):Paracheilinus filamentosus Maximum Size:Up to around 10 cm, with males typically larger and more colourful than females. Water Type:Marine Origin / Natural Habitat:Indo-Pacific, including the Malay Archipelago and surrounding reef regions. Naturally found around lagoons, reef passages, outer reef slopes and rubble areas, where it feeds above the substrate in small to large mixed-sex groups. Females usually outnumber males, and males display strongly when courting or competing. Water Parameters:Temperature: 24–27°CpH Range: 8.1–8.4Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025 Temperament:Peaceful to mildly assertive. It is usually safe with other peaceful reef fish, but males may display towards other flasher wrasses, fairy wrasses or similar-shaped fish. Avoid aggressive tank mates such as bullying damsels, dottybacks, large hawkfish or predatory wrasses. Diet:Planktivorous carnivore. In the wild, it feeds on zooplankton and small benthic invertebrates. In the aquarium, offer frequent small feeds of frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, cyclops, calanus, finely chopped krill, quality marine micro pellets and other small meaty foods. A varied diet helps maintain colour, body condition and display behaviour. Minimum Tank Size:A minimum of 200 litres is recommended for a single male or small compatible group, with larger aquariums preferred for keeping harems or mixing with other wrasses. Provide open swimming space as well as mature rockwork and secure retreats. Behaviour & Activity:An active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time in the water column above rubble, rockwork and reef structure. Males are famous for “flashing” displays, where they intensify colour, flare fins and make quick display movements, especially around females or rival males. It does not bury in the sand like some wrasses; instead, it uses rockwork, crevices and sheltered areas for security. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential, as flasher wrasses are strong jumpers. Reef Safe:Reef SafeSafe with corals and most ornamental invertebrates. It does not nip corals and is well suited to peaceful reef aquariums. Very tiny planktonic crustaceans may be eaten as part of its natural diet, but it is generally compatible with snails, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimps and typical reef invertebrates. Special Requirements or Care Notes:A secure lid is essential. Keep with peaceful to moderately active tank mates and avoid aggressive species that may cause hiding or missed feeds. Feed small portions more than once daily where possible, as flasher wrasses are active planktivores with high energy demands. If keeping more than one, introduce carefully and avoid multiple males in smaller aquariums. Colour and fin extension are strongest in settled males, particularly when females or compatible wrasse activity encourage display behaviour. Suitable for:Intermediate fishkeepers Availability:Occasional in trade All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
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