Care
Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse is known from the bases of steep outer reef slopes, above coral or rubble, at depths between 27-45m (89-148ft). Here, these beautiful fish may be observed in small harems as they feed on zooplankton in the water column. Juvenile fish are orange, fading lighter ventrally, and there is a bright blue marking above each of the red eyes. As they mature, a series of broken light blue horizontal stripes start to appear across the flanks. Females remain fairly subdued in colour, with the dominant males much more colourful in comparison - the horizontal lines on the flanks becoming a bright blue/purple, and the dorsal and anal fins much larger than those of the females. The dorsal fin of dominant males also develops 2-4 long filaments, and is red in colour with bright blue (and sometimes black) highlights. During courtship rituals, the males can undergo spectacular colour changes within seconds as they dash in and out of the rockwork, displaying intense colours and flashing their elaborate fins to attract a female. This is an excellent species for the reef aquarium as it will not harm corals or pick on desirable invertebrates. The tank should be mature and as spacious as possible (this will enable you to keep multiple specimens), with a soft sand substrate. Peaceful by nature and easily bullied, Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse should only be kept alongside passive fish of similar size and peaceable temperament or they may feel too intimidated to venture out to feed. These wrasses are best maintained in small groups with several females to every male, but all individuals must be added simultaneously or else add all females before the male/s. Keeping these fish in small aggregations will encourage natural behaviour, with the males putting on some fantastic displays with fin-flaring, as they attempt to attract a mate. Such groups will only work in spacious quarters, so if the aquarium is smaller, it is best to house a single specimen or a mated pair. Close relatives such as Fairy Wrasses and other small planktivores such as Firefish (which occupy the same niche) are best avoided. At night, these fish rest inside a mucus cocoon created in gaps in the rockwork. Ensure the tank has tight fitting covers, as flasher wrasses will jump from an open topped aquarium. Interestingly, this species is replaced by the similar-looking Bluestripe Flasher Wrasse (P. mccoskeri) in the Indian Ocean.
Feeding
Feed a variety of meaty foods in small amounts several times per day, including Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill, and plankton. Over time, may also learn to accept flake foods. Feed small amounts, several times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
