Filamented Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus filamentosus) Care Guide
Paracheilinus filamentosus is a wide-ranging Indo-Pacific flasher wrasse whose males develop long filamentous dorsal rays in display.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Paracheilinus filamentosus is a reef-associated wrasse of the family Labridae with a wide Indo-Pacific range. Males develop long filamentous dorsal rays and display colourful courtship behaviour. FishBase notes the species may consist of multiple genetic variants requiring further study.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Paracheilinus
- Scientific name: Paracheilinus filamentosus
Habitat
FishBase records the species across the Indo-Pacific, including the Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Christmas Island, Indonesia, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Palau and the Great Barrier Reef. It occurs in rubble areas on reef passages and slopes at depths of 5-35 metres, typically 10-25 metres, in tropical waters of 24-28 °C.
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
FishBase reports that the species feeds on zooplankton and other benthic invertebrates.
Compatibility
FishBase reports that it occurs in small to large mixed-sex groups in which females greatly outnumber males. It is a peaceful, reef-safe species best kept away from aggressive damselfishes.
Breeding
FishBase describes males racing to spawn during colourful courtship displays. Reproduction is oviparous.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 25 March 2009), as reported by FishBase.
Filamented Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus filamentosus): Breeding Notes
Overview
Paracheilinus filamentosus is one of the larger flasher wrasses, reaching about 15 cm according to FishBase. It ranges widely across the Indo-Pacific over rubble areas in passages, outer reef slopes and lagoons at depths of roughly 5 to 35 metres, where it feeds on zooplankton and small benthic invertebrates.
Sexing
Males are easily told apart by their dramatically prolonged dorsal fin rays, which give the species its name, while females show little or no prolongation. FishBase notes that the fish occurs in small to large mixed-sex groups in which females greatly outnumber males, a haremic arrangement.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
FishBase describes how males readily display to each other and to females, flashing their colours and racing past with erected fins. The display peaks around dusk; receptive females and the dominant male ascend briefly to release gametes into the water column.
Egg & Fry Care
Spawning is oviparous with pelagic eggs that disperse into the plankton. There is no established captive-rearing method for the planktonic larvae, so trade animals come from wild collection rather than aquaculture.
Common Challenges
Reproducing the courtship requires open swimming space, a stable harem ratio and a natural dusk light cycle. Even when adults display in captivity, the buoyant eggs and extended larval phase make rearing fry beyond the scope of typical home setups.