Eightline Flasher Wrasse

About

The Red Sea eightline flasher (Paracheilinus octotaenia) is one of those wrasses that makes you stop and stare the moment a male goes into full display mode. As the name suggests, males are marked with eight horizontal lines running along the body, and during courtship they erupt into rapid, fin-flaring dashes through the water column. An almost electric burst of color and movement that happens in a blink. Females are more subdued in pattern, as is typical across the flasher wrasse group. In the wild this species is found in the Red Sea, where it inhabits rubble and coral reef areas, usually in loose groups with a dominant male presiding over several females. Like all flasher wrasses, it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning females can transition to males if the dominant male is lost. In the aquarium it does best with plenty of open swimming space, some rockwork for cover, and a tightly fitting lid. Flasher wrasses are notorious jumpers, especially when first introduced. This is a peaceful fish that works well in reef tanks with non-aggressive tankmates. A little experience with marine setups goes a long way with this species, though it is not especially demanding once settled.