Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasse, Paracheilinus carpenteri
Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasse, Paracheilinus carpenteri
As a group, the reef compatible Flasher wrasses are a favourite fish for reef aquaria, and the Carpenter’s flasher wrasse is no exception. Bright coloration, showy finnage and ease of adjusting to captivity are all major plusses for this peaceful, shoaling fish.
The Carpenter’s flasher wrasse is one of the smaller flasher wrasses. This species inhabits the base of steep outer reef slopes above rubble zones or coral in water 70 feet or deeper. Male Carpenter’s flasher wrasses are usually redish orange to yellow with a yellow to white underside. The dosral rays are prolonged, and the fish’s color deepens during courtship. Males are slightly larger than females, which are generally paler in color and almost entirely white ventrally.
In terms of husbandry, the Carpenter's flasher wrasse is similar to most flasher wrasses. It should be kept in an aquarium of at least 30 gallons (larger if you intend to keep a group) with plenty of live rock and a tight fitting lid or eggcrate covering (flasher wrasses are jumpers). Most wrasses appreciate a sandy substrate. If you are going to keep a small group (which is recommended), add the females first; otherwise add them all at the same time. Carpenter's flasher wrasses are easily bullied, so be sure to keep them with peaceful tankmates that will not outcompete them for food.
Although shy at first, the Carpenter's flasher wrasse should readily accept a captive diet of varied foods including meaty bits of marine flesh such as raw table shrimp, squid, clam, and mussel.