Red Sea Eightline Flasher Wrasse [Paracheilinus octotaenia]

Red Sea Eightline Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus octotaenia)

The Red Sea Eightline Flasher Wrasse is a beautifully coloured, highly active marine wrasse prized for its vivid red, orange and yellow tones, accented by fine blue striping. Males are especially impressive, displaying brighter colours and extended finnage when settled and during courtship. Native to the Red Sea, this species inhabits coral-rich seaward reefs and is best suited to a mature marine aquarium with plenty of swimming space and secure rockwork. Its peaceful nature and reef-friendly behaviour make it a very attractive choice for reef keepers, although it is best kept by aquarists with at least some marine experience.

Common Name:
Red Sea Eightline Flasher Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Paracheilinus octotaenia.

Maximum Size:
Up to 9 cm (in captivity).

Water Type:
Marine.

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Red Sea; found in coral-rich areas of seaward reefs, generally from around 5–45 metres depth.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

Temperament:
Peaceful and generally social, making it well suited to a community marine aquarium with other compatible species.

Diet:
Omnivorous, with a preference for small meaty foods. Offer a varied diet including vitamin-enriched mysis, enriched brine shrimp, quality frozen foods, pellets and marine flakes.

Minimum Tank Size:
190 litres minimum.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active, open-water wrasse that adds excellent movement to the aquarium. Males may “flash” their fins and colours, especially when displaying. This species appreciates open swimming room as well as rockwork with cracks and crevices for shelter.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
This species is widely regarded as suitable for reef aquaria and is not generally known for bothering corals or ornamental invertebrates.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended, as flasher wrasses are known jumpers. Best results are usually achieved in a well-established aquarium with stable water quality, peaceful tankmates and regular feeding.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers.

Availability:
Occasional in trade. This is an inference based on supplier listings describing it as not often seen, rather than a formal trade-wide classification.