Bell’s Flasher Wrasse
$549.99
Paracheilinus bellae
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Color Form | Blue, Orange, Purple, Red, Yellow |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Reef Compatible | Yes |
| Water Conditions | sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 |
| Max Size | 3″ |
| Family | Labridae |
| Minimum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
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Description
Overview
The Bell’s flasher wrasse (Paracheilinus bellae) is a small, peaceful marine fish renowned for the male’s spectacular, instantaneous “flashing” color displays during courtship. This reef-safe species, growing up to 3 inches (7.6 cm), is a popular and hardy choice for a community reef aquarium.
Physical Description and “Flashing” Behavior
The wrasses in the Paracheilinus genus are known as “flasher wrasses” because the males temporarily intensify their already vibrant colors and splay their fins during courtship rituals or territorial defense.
- Males are a mesmerizing blend of red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue, and feature four long dorsal rays and a prominent, lyre-shaped tail.
- Females and juveniles have more subdued coloration, generally appearing a dull red or brown, and lack the elongated dorsal and anal fins.
Like other wrasses, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, all starting as females and having the ability to change sex to male later in life. The females’ presence encourages the male’s most intense color displays in an aquarium setting.
Habitat and Diet
In the wild, Bell’s flasher wrasses are found in deep water reefs and algal beds of the Western Central Pacific Ocean at depths of up to 100 feet (31 meters). They are active, diurnal carnivores that feed on zooplankton.
In a home aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods multiple times a day to support their high metabolism. This includes:
- Vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp
- Finely chopped seafood such as squid or clams
- High-quality marine flakes and pellets
Aquarium Care and Compatibility
Bell’s flasher wrasses are hardy and peaceful, making them ideal for reef aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging.
- Minimum Tank Size: A 30-55 gallon or larger aquarium is recommended.
- Tank Environment: Provide ample rock work with caves and crevices. Unlike some other wrasse species, flasher wrasses generally do not bury themselves in the sand at night; instead, they wedge themselves into rock crevices.
- Compatibility: They are a community fish and do well with other peaceful tank mates. They should be one of the first fish introduced to avoid harassment from more established or aggressive fish. A single male can be housed with a group of females.
- Precaution: A tight-fitting lid is essential, as these wrasses are known to jump when startled or during displays.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small Female: 1″ to 2″; Medium Female 2″ to 3″ Small Male: 1″ to 2″, Medium Male: 3″ to 4″
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