Scarlet-Fin Flasher Wrasse - Paracheilinus lineopunctatus

Scarlet-Fin Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus lineopunctatus)

The Scarlet-Fin Flasher Wrasse, Paracheilinus lineopunctatus, is a colourful, active and reef-safe marine wrasse known for its red to orange body tones, fine spotted line markings and vivid display colours in mature males. Also known as the Spot-lined Flasher Wrasse, Linespot Flasher Wrasse or Dot Dash Flasher Wrasse, this Western Pacific species is a lively planktivorous wrasse for peaceful reef aquariums. It is generally gentle, coral safe and full of movement, but it needs a secure lid, regular small feeds and calm tank mates to show its best colour and behaviour.

Common Name:
Scarlet-Fin Flasher Wrasse, Spot-lined Flasher Wrasse, Linespot Flasher Wrasse, Line-spot Flasher Wrasse, Dot Dash Flasher Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Paracheilinus lineopunctatus

Maximum Size:
Up to around 7 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Pacific. Naturally found around the bases of steep outer reef slopes, rubble bottoms and coral areas, often in places exposed to occasional strong currents. Like other flasher wrasses, it feeds above the reef on small drifting planktonic prey and uses reef structure for shelter.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Peaceful to mildly assertive. It is usually suitable for peaceful reef communities, but males may display towards other flasher wrasses, fairy wrasses or similarly shaped fish. Avoid aggressive dottybacks, large hawkfish, predatory wrasses, bullying damsels and fast, dominant tank mates that may intimidate it or prevent feeding.

Diet:
Planktivorous carnivore. In the aquarium, offer frequent small feeds of frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, cyclops, calanus, finely chopped krill, quality marine micro pellets and other small meaty foods. A varied diet helps maintain colour, body condition and natural flashing displays.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 200 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for groups or mixed wrasse communities. Provide open swimming space as well as mature rockwork, caves and crevices.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time moving through the water column above rockwork and rubble. Males may “flash” by intensifying colour, flaring fins and making quick display movements, especially around females or rival wrasses. It does not bury in sand like some wrasses; instead, it uses rockwork, crevices and sheltered areas for security. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential, as flasher wrasses are strong jumpers.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Safe with corals and most ornamental invertebrates. It does not nip coral tissue and is well suited to peaceful reef aquariums. Very tiny planktonic crustaceans may be eaten as part of its natural diet, but it is generally compatible with snails, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimps and typical reef invertebrates.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A secure lid is essential. Keep with peaceful to moderately active tank mates and avoid aggressive species that may cause hiding or missed feeds. Feed small portions more than once daily where possible, as flasher wrasses are active planktivores with high energy demands. If keeping more than one, introduce carefully and avoid multiple males in smaller aquariums. Colour and fin display are strongest in settled males, especially when females or compatible wrasse activity encourage natural flashing behaviour.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Rare or occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.