Paracheilinus attenuatus

Randall, 1999

Attenuate Flasher Wrasse

Range: Western Indian Ocean: Seychelles and East Coast of Kenya.

Size: 3 inches (6 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow coastal slopes and usually found at depths between 85 – 150 feet (25 – 45 m) where it feeds on zooplankton.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade with the male having a reddish-orange body and head with several blue lengthwise lines and a centrally pointed tail. Females and juveniles are somewhat subdued and have rounded tails. Colors vary depending upon the age of the specimen, collection areas, and breeding timeframes.

Can be maintained in reef or fish-only aquariums that should have ample crevices and caves, and peaceful tankmates. Should not be kept with more aggressive fishes, e.g., dottybacks and some damsels.

As to diet, will eat most regular aquarium foods, e.g., finely chopped various frozen or fresh meaty foods such as mysis, squid, fish flesh, shrimp, clam, etc., and should be offered two to three times daily.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Labroidei

Family: Labridae

Genus: Paracheilinus

FYI: Males are usually larger than females and mostly differ from females in coloration.

Best maintained with several females. One male per aquarium.

They don't bury themselves in the sand at night, as do many other wrasses. Instead, they wedge themselves into a rock crevice.

They usually make good reef aquarium inhabitants if supplied with ample crevices and caves.

Quite hardy.

If harassed or frightened, may jump out of uncovered aquariums.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Temperature Range: 74 - 82°F (23 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5