McCosker's Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus mccoskeri) Care Guide
Paracheilinus mccoskeri is an Indo-West Pacific flasher wrasse from the Indian Ocean, where males patrol between groups of bottom-dwelling females.
Overview
Paracheilinus mccoskeri is a reef-associated wrasse of the family Labridae, described by Randall and Harmelin-Vivien in 1977. The species is named for ichthyologist John E. McCosker. FishBase records it from the Indo-West Pacific, from the western Indian Ocean to Fiji, with a questionable record from Indonesia.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Paracheilinus
- Scientific name: Paracheilinus mccoskeri
- Described by: Randall & Harmelin-Vivien, 1977
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the western Indian Ocean to Fiji. Wikipedia narrows the Indian Ocean range from East Africa to Thailand and northern Sumatra. It inhabits outer reef slopes over rubble, algae or coral, at depths of 5-50 metres, typically 5-40 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
FishBase classifies the species as a carnivore with a trophic level of 3.4. Like other flasher wrasses it feeds on small planktonic and benthic invertebrates.
Compatibility
FishBase reports that it occurs in mixed-sex groups in which females greatly outnumber males. Females swim near the bottom in small groups while males patrol between them; some juveniles remain secretive among rubble. It is a peaceful, reef-safe species best kept away from aggressive damselfishes.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 25 March 2009), as reported by FishBase and Wikipedia.