Red Flasher Wrasse - Paracheilinus cyaneus

Red Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus cyaneus)

The Red Flasher Wrasse is a vibrant and highly active marine wrasse admired for its vivid red to orange colouration, contrasting blue markings and spectacular display behaviour. Males can intensify their colours and extend their fins when displaying, creating one of the most eye-catching sights in a peaceful reef aquarium. Reef safe and generally non-aggressive, this species is best suited to mature marine systems with calm tankmates, secure cover and regular small feedings.

Common Name:
Red Flasher Wrasse

Scientific Name (Latin):
Paracheilinus cyaneus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 7–8 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Red Flasher Wrasse occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is typically associated with coral-rich reef slopes, rubble zones and areas with good water movement.

It spends much of its time swimming above the reef structure while feeding on small planktonic organisms in the water column.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful

The Red Flasher Wrasse is generally peaceful and is well suited to calm reef and community aquariums.

Males may display towards other wrasses, particularly similar species, but serious aggression is uncommon when adequate space and suitable tank structure are provided.

Diet:
Carnivore / Planktivore

The Red Flasher Wrasse naturally feeds on small planktonic crustaceans and other tiny marine organisms.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods and quality small marine pellets.

Several small feedings throughout the day are preferable to one large meal.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 150 litres

Provide plenty of open swimming space alongside secure rockwork and sheltered areas.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Red Flasher Wrasse is an energetic daytime swimmer that spends much of its time moving through the open water above rockwork and coral structure.

Males may perform rapid display behaviour in which their colour intensifies and their fins are fully extended.

This natural behaviour is particularly noticeable when females or other suitable wrasses are present.

Unlike many sand-burying wrasses, flasher wrasses typically shelter within rockwork rather than burying themselves in the substrate.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Red Flasher Wrasse is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its peaceful nature makes it particularly suitable for mixed reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A tightly fitted aquarium lid is essential, as flasher wrasses are exceptionally skilled jumpers and may leap through very small openings.

Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, good oxygenation and plenty of secure rockwork for shelter.

Avoid highly aggressive tankmates that may intimidate the wrasse and prevent normal feeding or display behaviour.

Regular small feedings are recommended to support its active metabolism.

When keeping more than one flasher or fairy wrasse, provide sufficient aquarium space and introduce fish carefully to reduce territorial disputes.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

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.