Bell's Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus bellae) Care Guide
Paracheilinus bellae is a small marine flasher wrasse recorded from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, found among algal beds of deep lagoons.
Overview
Paracheilinus bellae is a small reef-associated wrasse of the family Labridae. FishBase records it from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, in the Western Central Pacific. Males develop elongate dorsal and caudal fin lobes and bright coloration that females and juveniles lack.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Paracheilinus
- Scientific name: Paracheilinus bellae
Habitat
FishBase records the species from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, where it lives among dense algal beds of deep lagoons at depths of 18-31 metres.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH: 8-12
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
The species is carnivorous, with a FishBase trophic level of 3.4. Like other flasher wrasses it feeds on small planktonic and benthic invertebrates.
Compatibility
Bell's flasher wrasse is a peaceful, reef-safe, mid-water species. It is best kept with other non-aggressive reef fish and away from aggressive damselfishes.
Breeding
FishBase reports the species is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding. Females and juveniles lack the elongate fins and bright coloration of display males.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 25 March 2009), as reported by FishBase.