Filamentous Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus filamentosus)

The Filamentous Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus filamentosus) is named for the dramatic trailing extensions that develop on the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins of dominant males — fins that fan and stream outward in an electrifying display during courtship rituals that are among the most visually mesmerizing behaviors in any reef aquarium. During these 'flashing' displays, males simultaneously intensify into brilliant reds and blues with bright highlights that shift and pulse as they court females. Best kept as a haremic group of one male and several females in a suitably sized system, where the courtship displays occur multiple times daily. A pinnacle species for the display reef aquarium.

Maintain in a reef or FOWLR aquarium of at least 100 liters with a tightly fitting lid — flasher wrasses are agile, enthusiastic jumpers. Keep as a harem of one male and two or more females for best behavioral display. Males may flare at each other but can coexist in very large systems. Feed twice daily with frozen mysis, cyclopeeze, enriched brine shrimp, and reef pellets. Peaceful with all similarly sized reef inhabitants.