Carpenter Flasher Wrasse

Carpenter Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus carpenteri)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Color Form: Vibrant red, orange, and blue body with flashy dorsal and tail fins that glow when "flashing"
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions:
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
  • Temperature: 72–78°F
  • dKH: 8–12
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
• Max. Size: 3.5 inches
• Family: Labridae
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

Overview:

The Carpenter Flasher Wrasse is a dazzling and energetic fish known for its "flashing" behavior, where males display vibrant colors to attract mates or establish dominance. With its bright red and orange body, accented by electric blue and yellow highlights, it’s a perfect addition to reef or community tanks, especially when kept with peaceful tankmates.

Habitat and Behavior:

Native to coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific, the Carpenter Flasher Wrasse is a peaceful species that thrives in community tanks. It is most active during the day and often swims near the middle to upper levels of the tank. Males will perform impressive displays when courting or showing dominance, making them a dynamic addition to aquariums.

Diet:

As carnivores, these wrasses feed on small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, and copepods. They will also readily accept high-quality frozen foods, marine pellets, and flake foods. Feeding 2-3 times daily helps maintain their vibrant coloration and activity.

Care Tips:

A tank of at least 55 gallons with plenty of open swimming space and live rock for hiding is ideal. They are reef-safe and will not harm corals or invertebrates, but they may eat tiny crustaceans if present. A secure lid is essential, as they are known to jump when startled. Keeping multiple wrasses is possible but introduce them simultaneously to minimize aggression.