Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus carpenteri)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes (peaceful and non-aggressive)
• Small invertebrate safe: ✅ Yes (reef-safe; does not harm invertebrates)
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes (does not harm corals)
• Minimum tank size: 208 litres (55 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 8 cm (3 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small meaty foods
• Be aware of: Prone to jumping (requires a tight-fitting lid); males display increased colouration during courtship; best kept singly or in harems with one male and multiple females
Appearance and Colouration
The Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasse is a visually striking species exhibiting notable sexual dimorphism:
• Males: Display vibrant hues of red, pink, and yellow, with blue horizontal stripes along the body. The dorsal fin features three elongated rays, coloured red with yellow and blue accents. During courtship, males intensify their colours and perform dynamic displays to attract females.
• Females and Juveniles: Generally exhibit more subdued colouration, with a pale pink to yellowish body and less pronounced markings.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Paracheilinus carpenteri is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, found from the Philippines to Taiwan, northern Bali, Flores, and Tonga. They inhabit coral-rich areas and rubble zones at depths ranging from 27 to 45 metres (90 to 150 feet).
• Social Structure: Typically found in small groups, with a dominant male overseeing several females and juveniles.
• Activity: Diurnal and active swimmers, often seen mid-water foraging for planktonic prey.
• Behaviour: Peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable for community aquariums.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
• Minimum Tank Size: 208 litres (55 gallons)
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 24°C – 27°C (75°F – 81°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
• Aquascaping:
• Incorporate ample live rock formations to create hiding spots and replicate natural reef structures.
• Ensure open swimming spaces to accommodate their active nature.
• Lighting: Moderate to high, simulating natural reef conditions.
• Water Movement: Moderate to strong, reflecting their natural habitat.
Important Note: A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential, as Paracheilinus carpenteri are known to jump, especially when startled.
Diet and Feeding
In their natural environment, Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasses primarily feed on zooplankton. In captivity, they adapt well to a variety of meaty foods.
• Captive Diet:
• Offer vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.
• Provide high-quality marine flake and pellet foods.
• Supplement with live foods such as copepods and amphipods to encourage natural foraging behaviours.
Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily to maintain health and vibrant colouration.
Compatibility and Social Structure
• Temperament:
• Generally peaceful and suitable for community aquariums.
• Males may display increased colouration and fin displays during courtship.
• Tank Mates:
• Compatible with other non-aggressive species such as gobies, blennies, and dwarf angelfish.
• Avoid housing with aggressive or significantly larger species that may intimidate or outcompete them.
• Social Structure:
• Best kept singly or in harems with one male and multiple females.
• Introducing multiple males in the same tank can lead to aggression unless the aquarium is sufficiently large.
Important Considerations
• Jumping Behaviour: Ensure the aquarium has a secure lid, as these wrasses are prone to leaping out of tanks.
• Acclimation: Introduce them to well-established aquariums with stable water parameters to reduce stress.
• Behavioural Displays: Males exhibit vibrant displays during courtship, enhancing the visual appeal of the aquarium.