Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse

Overview

Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse is a small, dazzlingly colourful wrasse where males display vivid reds, purples, and yellows with elongated fins, especially during courtship displays or when flaring at rivals — hence the name "flasher." Females are more subdued in colour, typically a soft orange or yellow.

It's a peaceful, fully reef-safe fish that adds constant movement and colour to the upper and middle water column, and does well in a small group with one male and several females in a suitably sized tank.

Its small size and calm temperament make it a great addition to a peaceful reef community, though it needs a secure lid given the jumping tendency common to many wrasses.

Compatibility

Carpenter's Flasher Wrasses are peaceful toward other fish and fully reef safe, ignoring corals and invertebrates. Multiple females can be kept with a single male, while two males in a smaller tank may show aggressive flashing displays toward each other.

They mix well with other peaceful community fish, gobies, and blennies without issue.

Health & quarantine

This species is generally hardy once acclimated, though like most wrasses it's an accomplished jumper, particularly when startled, so a secure, gap-free lid is essential. A minimum two-to-four-week quarantine is recommended, and this species typically settles in and feeds well without major complications.