Description

🐟 Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasse — Description & Care Guide

📌 Scientific Name: Paracheilinus carpenteri

📌 Common Names: Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasse, Red Fin Flasher Wrasse

📌 Origin: Western Pacific — Philippines, Indonesia, Palau

🔍 Description

• Coloration: Males are vibrant — red/orange bodies with electric blue lines and neon highlights. Fins are boldly colored, often red-tipped or blue-edged, especially during displays.

• Fins: Long, filamented dorsal and anal fins (“flashing” when courting or excited).

• Size: Up to 3.5 inches (9 cm) in length.

• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are far more colorful and “flash” to impress females or show dominance. Females are smaller and plainer.

🧪 Aquarium Care

🏠 Tank Size

• Minimum: 30 gallons (114 liters)

• More space is better for social groups or mixed-species tanks.

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

• Nitrates/Ammonia: As close to 0 as possible — pristine water quality is key.

🧬 Behavior & Temperament

• Temperament: Peaceful, active, non-aggressive — great for community reef tanks.

• Swimming Zone: Mid to upper levels of the tank.

• Reef-Safe: ✅ Yes — does not nip corals or harm invertebrates.

• Social Behavior:

  • Can be kept singly, or as a harem (1 male with 2–3 females).

  • Do not keep multiple males unless in a large tank — they will fight.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

• Type: Carnivore (planktivore)

• Will eat:

  • Frozen mysis shrimp

  • Brine shrimp

  • Copepods

  • Enriched flakes and pellets

• Feeding: 2–3 times daily — small portions, frequent meals

🛏️ Nighttime & Jumping

• Sleep: Hides or wedges into rock crevices at night — does not bury in sand.

• Jumping Risk: Extremely high — they startle easily.

  • Always use a secure lid or mesh top.

🪸 Tank Setup

• Provide:

  • Plenty of live rock for hiding

  • Open swimming areas

  • Moderate to strong flow

  • Bright lighting helps display colors

⚠️ Tips & Considerations

• Acclimate slowly using the drip method — sensitive to salinity and temperature shifts.

• Color is most intense when the male is with females or feels secure.

• Compatible with:

  • Other peaceful reef fish (e.g., clownfish, gobies, tangs)

  • Cleaner shrimp, snails, and corals

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive fish (triggers, dottybacks, large wrasses)

  • Other flasher/fairy wrasse males in small tanks