Blue Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus cyaneus)

Paracheilinus cyaneus is a small and very colorful wrasse. Males' coloration can vary in shades of red, orange, purple, and blue, with colors intensifying significantly during courtship. Males also develop striking, long dorsal fin rays.

The species is an active but peaceful swimmer that is well-suited for a reef aquarium. Flasher wrasses are known for jumping, so the aquarium must be kept carefully covered.

Characteristics

- Grows to approximately 8–9 cm in length
- Peaceful and active wrasse
- Male coloration intensifies particularly during courtship
- Can be kept as a group of one male and one or more females in a sufficiently spacious aquarium
- The aquarium must be kept covered due to the risk of jumping

Care Instructions

Minimum aquarium size: approximately 150 L
Temperature: 24–27 °C
Salinity: 1.023–1.026
Feeding: small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, artemia, copepods, as well as high-quality frozen and dried foods. Ideally, feed small portions several times a day.
Compatibility: peaceful reef fish. Avoid large and aggressive species.
Reef safe: yes, reef safe

Additional Information

Scientific name: Paracheilinus cyaneus
English name: Blue Flasher Wrasse
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Maximum size: approximately 8–9 cm
Difficulty level: moderate