Pink Flasher

About

The Pink Flasher (Paracheilinus carpenteri) is a small wrasse from the Western Pacific, found across the Philippines, Taiwan, Bali, and Flores, with populations also recorded as far east as Tonga. In the wild it lives along the bases of steep outer reef slopes, hovering in loose schools above coral rubble in the mid-water column. Males are the showstoppers here. They regularly flash intensified pink and iridescent blue coloration during courtship displays, fanning their fins in brief, almost frantic bursts to impress females. Outside of those displays, both sexes wear a softer but still attractive pattern of pink and orange tones that blends well in a reef setting. This is a peaceful species that adapts well to the home aquarium, and its relatively forgiving nature makes it a reasonable choice even for newer marine keepers who have a bit of reef experience. Keeping a small group works well, and the dynamic between competing males means you'll see those display behaviors regularly in a properly set up tank. A well-covered aquarium is important since flashers, like most wrasses, are notorious jumpers. They feed on small meaty foods and generally accept frozen fare without much fuss.