Common name: half-banded flasher wrasse

General information

The Half-lined Flasher Wrasse, Paracheilinus hemitaeniatus, is a small and vibrantly colored fish known for its dynamic mating displays. This species is part of the flasher wrasse group, which are appreciated for their beauty and active swimming behavior. During courtship, males exhibit an impressive display of extended fins and intensified colors to attract females.

Care

Half-lined Flasher Wrasses are relatively hardy and suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. A sandy substrate is also beneficial for their natural behavior of burying themselves at night or when frightened. They require a varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, supplemented with high-quality marine flake and pellet foods.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Half-lined Flasher Wrasses may spawn if kept in a group with one dominant male and several females. The male performs an elaborate dance to entice the females to release eggs, which he then fertilizes. The eggs are pelagic, and raising the fry can be challenging due to their small size and specific dietary requirements.

Habitat

Half-lined Flasher Wrasses are found in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to the Solomon Islands, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs, often seen at depths where light penetration is optimal for coral growth.