Care
The Hi-fin Flasher Wrasse is known from lagoons and outer reef slopes, above coral and rubble, at depths between 5-35m (16-115ft). 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 have bright red eyes. As they mature, the body colour intensifies to a rich red-orange, again lighter ventrally, and a series of broken red horizontal stripes start to appear across the flanks. Females remain relatively subdued in colour, with the dominant males much more vibrant in comparison - the horizontal lines on the flanks becoming a bright mixture of red/blue/purple, and the dorsal and anal fins are much larger than those of the females. The dorsal fin of dominant males is quite magnificent, developing 5-7 long filaments, the fin itself adorned with bright red, yellow, or neon blue highlights. The lunate caudal fin of the male is tinged with neon blue/purple, and develops long filaments at the tips. 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, Hi-fin 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. To date, this is the largest known member of the Paracheilinus genus. May also be seen on sale as the Filamented Flasher Wrasse.
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.
