Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse

• ExerciseVery high

  A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment4–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus carpenteri) is a western Pacific species from the Philippines and Indonesia, growing to about 6 to 8 cm. Dominant males carry several extended dorsal spines and a red to magenta body crossed by fine yellow and blue lines, and they flash their colours in short bursts throughout the day, most intensely in the late afternoon. House a male with a few females in a 150 litre or larger reef tank at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4, and cover every opening in the lid. Feed several small meals a day of mysis, enriched brine, copepods and small pellets. It is reef safe and peaceful, and one of the easier flasher wrasses to settle in because it accepts prepared food quickly. Avoid keeping two males in a small tank, and give it a mature system with some natural pod population, which supports it between feedings.

• How active is a Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse?

  Very high. A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse live?

  4–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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