Blue Flasher-wrasse
Paracheilinus cyaneus
A reef-dwelling wrasse that sleeps wrapped in its own slime cocoon every night.
About
The blue flasher-wrasse (Paracheilinus cyaneus) is a small, vividly colored wrasse from the sheltered reefs of Indonesia, where it picks its way through mixed zones of low coral growth and algae-rubble. In the wild it lives in small, socially structured groups where females significantly outnumber males. A pattern worth keeping in mind when planning an aquarium group. Males are the showier of the two sexes, and like other flasher-wrasses they periodically display with intensified color and fin-flaring to compete for female attention. One of the more unusual things about this species is its nightly routine: it retreats to a sheltered spot and secretes a mucus cocoon around itself to sleep, which is a behavior shared across several wrasse genera and is nothing to worry about when you see it in your tank. Being a schooling species, it does best when kept with others of its kind rather than as a lone individual. It stays small, accepts standard carnivore foods readily, and is generally considered manageable for less experienced saltwater keepers. A lightly stocked reef or fish-only system with some open water for swimming and a few hiding spots suits it well.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Blue Flasher-wrasse
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Blue Flasher-wrasse get?
- The Blue Flasher-wrasse reaches about 1.5–4" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Blue Flasher-wrasse need?
- A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for the Blue Flasher-wrasse.
- What water parameters does the Blue Flasher-wrasse need?
- The Blue Flasher-wrasse does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Blue Flasher-wrasse aggressive?
- The Blue Flasher-wrasse is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Blue Flasher-wrasse eat?
- The Blue Flasher-wrasse is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Blue Flasher-wrasse live?
- With good care, the Blue Flasher-wrasse typically lives 5-8 years.
- Is the Blue Flasher-wrasse reef safe?
- The Blue Flasher-wrasse is generally considered reef safe.