Eightline Flasher Wrasse (Female)

Overview

Key Characteristics of the Female Eightline Flasher Wrasse

• Coloration: Females are generally a duller color, often a mix of pink and blue or a subdued red-to-brown, with the eight characteristic blue horizontal lines running along their bodies. The vibrant yellows, oranges, and intense reds seen in males, particularly during courtship, are absent or much less pronounced in females.
• Fins: A key distinguishing feature is the fins. Females have shorter, smooth dorsal, anal, and caudal (tail) fins. Males, in contrast, have noticeably larger fins with long, filamentous extensions or spines on the dorsal fin rays, which they flare out during their “flashing” courtship displays.
• Size: Females tend to be smaller in size than mature males. The Eightline Flasher Wrasse can grow to a little over 3 inches, with males typically reaching the larger end of the spectrum.
• Behavior: While the species as a whole is active and peaceful, only the mature males perform the elaborate, color-intensifying “flashing” behavior during the daily courtship rituals, which typically occur towards dusk.