Encyclopaedia
Half-barred Flasher Wrasse
Paracheilinus hemitaeniatus
A small marine wrasse with rapid and spectacular courtship displays, suitable for reef aquariums with small peaceful fish.
- Family
- Labridae
- Origin
- Oceano Pacifico occidentale: Madagascar e coste dell'Africa orientale, in acque coralline profonde.
- Origin
- Tropical oceans and reefsExtra-Amazon South AmericaAfrica and Madagascar
- Tank use
- Used in 0 tanks
Share
22 °C - 26 °C
8.1 - 8.4
Marine
Surface and middle
8 cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Outer reefs of Madagascar and East Africa, at depths of 20 to 50 meters.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Family Labridae. Elongated body with extended filaments on the dorsal fin in mature males. Grows to 8 cm.
Social Behavior: Peaceful, highly active schooling species. Males display courtship flashing behaviors, altering their colors rapidly to attract females.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Reddish-orange body with blue stripes. Males have a bright yellow anal fin and yellow dorsal. Females are plain orange.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: Reef aquarium of 120 liters minimum with live rock shelters. Subdued lighting and moderate current are ideal.
Diet and Feeding: Zooplanktivore. Feed small frozen foods like copepods, mysis, and vitamin-enriched marine pellets twice daily.
Water Quality: High water quality is essential. Keep chemical values stable and clean water via efficient protein skimming.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Reef-safe. Keep with peaceful tankmates. Do not house with aggressive wrasses or large fish.
Aquarium Breeding: Pelagic spawner. Captive breeding is not documented due to tiny larval feed requirements.
Risks and Diseases: Major jump risk. A secure, well-fitting lid is absolutely required to keep them in the tank.
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Pacifico, vivace e saltatore
- Diet
- Carnivoro, si nutre di piccoli invertebrati e cibo surgelato fine
- Tank level
- Surface and middle
- Minimum group
- 1
- Adult size
- 8 cm
- Minimum tank volume
- 120 L
- GH
- n/a
- KH
- n/a
- TDS
- n/a
- Conductivity
- n/a
- Feeding frequency
- 2 volte al giorno
- Bioload
- Basso
- Flow
- Moderato
- Jump risk
- Covered tank required
- Reproduction
- Ermafrodita protogino; riproduzione non documentata in acquariofila.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- Ideale per vasche reef-safe con piccoli pesci tranquilli. La vasca deve essere coperta.
Ecological Estimates & Biological Models
- Trophic level
- 3.4 ± 0.4 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.01072, b = 3.03
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Other recommended species with similar care requirements and water parameters.
