McCosker'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

McCosker's Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus mccoskeri) comes from the Indian Ocean and Red Sea region and reaches about 7 to 8 cm. Males are striped in orange and electric blue with a tall single dorsal ray, and perform rapid flashing displays in which colours intensify dramatically to court females or warn rivals. Females are a plainer orange with a pale belly. A 150 litre or larger reef tank suits a male with two or three females, at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. A tight-fitting lid is not optional, as flasher wrasses jump readily and jumping is the leading cause of death in the group. Feed small frequent meals of mysis, enriched brine, copepods and fine marine pellets, since these are active fish with fast metabolisms. They are entirely reef safe, will not eat corals or ornamental shrimp, and are peaceful enough for a community of gobies, clownfish and small angelfish.

• How active is a McCosker's Flasher Wrasse?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• How long do McCosker's Flasher Wrasse live?

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

• What health issues affect the McCosker'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.

Be the first to join this community!