Not described until as recently as 2003, the Red Tailed Flasher Wrasse is the newest member of the genus Paracheilinus to be imported from Fiji and Vanuatu. We are fortunate to offer you this occasional fish outside of Diver's Den and on a more regular basis.

The Red Tailed Flasher Wrasse has a wide red patch with a single line on its dorsal fin. Males have reddish stripes on their sides which turn whitish and their body becomes bright yellow when displaying. The color of the female is subdued when comparing it to the brilliance of the male. The male during courting will change colors very rapidly, giving it its common name. Colors may vary depending on the fish's mood.

The Red Tail Flasher Wrasse is a peaceful, active fish that will bring both color and activity to a fish-only or reef aquarium of 55 gallons or larger. They will not bother any corals or invertebrates making them a perfect fish for the reef aquarium. A single male can be kept with a group of females that is introduced prior to or at the same time as the male. These wrasses like to jump, so a tight fitting canopy is recommended.

Flasher wrasses should be fed two or three times a day in order to maintain their body weight. Since they feed on zooplankton and rarely pick at organisms on live rock, they will not thrive in the reef tank if they are fed infrequently. A good protein skimmer and Live Sand will help decrease the build-up of dissolved organics that may result from this more regular feeding regime.