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Redfin flasher wrasse© Gdiggers / CC BY-SA 3.0

Redfin flasher wrasse

The Redfin flasher wrasse is a small wrasse from reef slopes facing the open ocean in the western Pacific, growing to a maximum of 8 cm in total length. Males are red with blue lines and, when courting females, spread a large dorsal fin and dart about in a display known as flashing. They are considered reef-safe and tend to be fairly gentle toward other fishes, which makes them a lively accent for coral tanks. Care difficulty is rated beginner-friendly, but because they swim actively, a roomy tank with a secure lid is a good idea.

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Redfin flasher wrasse key facts

Care level
Beginner-friendly
Lifespan
Few reliable data
Size
Up to 8 cm TL (FishBase)
Diet
Carnivore (zooplankton, frozen mysis and brine shrimp)
Water Temperature & Quality
Few species-specific temperature data. Keep stable reef-aquarium conditions.
Aquarium
It swims in open water, so leave space and provide rockwork to retreat into; use a lid, as it can jump.
Tank Mates & Compatibility
Peaceful with similarly sized peaceful fish. One male with several females encourages flashing displays.
Reef Compatibility
Does not harass invertebrates or nip coral polyps, so it is considered reef-safe.
Diet & Feeding
Adapts well to meaty foods; give frozen mysis, brine shrimp and fine prepared foods several times a day.
Health & Cautions
It also occurs in the Ryukyu Islands; collecting in Japanese waters must follow prefectural fisheries regulations.
TraitsMarine FishWrasseFlasher WrasseReef SafeJapanese Waters

About Redfin flasher wrasse

Redfin flasher wrasse: a reef-safe, beginner-friendly wrasse up to 8 cm. Learn about the male's red-and-blue colors, flashing courtship display and key care points.

7 things to know before welcoming a Redfin flasher wrasse

  1. 1Small but Active Swimmer

    Adults reach a maximum of 8 cm in total length, but they are quick swimmers by nature on their reef slopes. Rather than choosing a tank by body size alone, give them a roomy setup with open swimming space so they can settle in comfortably.

  2. 2Suited to Beginners

    Care difficulty is rated beginner-friendly, making this a reasonable saltwater fish to consider early on. Even so, stable temperature and salinity plus regular water changes are essential. It is best to bring them home once your tank has matured and stabilized.

  3. 3Males and Females

    Males are red with blue lines and spread a large dorsal fin when courting. Females tend to be less flashy, which helps tell the sexes apart. Males can squabble with one another, so keepers commonly pair one male with several females.

  4. 4Fit for Coral Tanks

    As a reef-safe fish that is unlikely to harm corals, it suits coral tanks well. Its constant movement around the rockwork adds life to the display. Note that it may pick at very small crustaceans and other tiny creatures in the tank.

  5. 5Watch for Jumping

    Wrasses can leap out of the tank when startled. Fit a lid or cover and check any gaps around plumbing and cable openings. Take precautions early, since newly arrived fish can be especially jumpy.

  6. 6Small, Frequent Meals

    As a small wrasse from reef slopes facing the open ocean, it does well with portions it can finish quickly, offered several times a day. Prepare small-sized foods such as frozen mysis, brine shrimp or fine pellets. Before purchase, ask the breeder what the fish has been eating.

  7. 7Checks Before Buying

    Use the listing details, photos and questions to the breeder to check that the fish swims with its fins open, breathes calmly and is eating. Keeping a new fish in a separate tank for a period of observation before moving it to the main tank is a common approach to health management. After arrival it may hide among the rocks for a while, and it often settles down when it has places to shelter.

Frequently asked questions about Redfin flasher wrasse

Q.Can beginners keep this fish?
A.Its care difficulty is rated beginner-friendly. Basics such as stable water quality and temperature, jump prevention and frequent small feedings still matter. It is safest to bring one home after your tank has stabilized.
Q.Is it safe to keep with corals?
A.It is regarded as reef-safe and unlikely to harm corals, so it suits coral tanks. It may, however, pick at small crustaceans and other tiny creatures in the tank. Also check how it will get along with your other fishes.
Q.What does it eat?
A.Small-sized foods such as frozen mysis, brine shrimp and fine pellets are commonly used. Offering portions it can finish quickly, spread over several feedings a day, works well. It helps to ask the breeder what the fish has been eating before you bring it home.
Q.Can I keep several together?
A.Keepers commonly choose one male with several females. Males can squabble with one another, so if you plan to house more than one male, pay close attention to tank size and hiding places.
Q.How long does it live?
A.Reliable information on its lifespan is limited, so no clear estimate can be given. To enjoy it for as long as possible, focus on stable water quality, appropriate feeding and a low-stress environment.

Useful tools for Redfin flasher wrasse care

💧Aquarium Volume CalculatorCalculate water volume, weight, and heater wattage from tank dimensions🧪Water Quality CheckerFind compatible fish, shrimp, plants & corals based on pH, temperature & hardness🍽️Feeding GuideCheck feeding frequency, portion sizes & supplements by species and growth stage🤝Compatibility CheckerCheck compatibility between two species on a 5-level scale📊Fish Compatibility MatrixCheck fish compatibility at a glance with our matrix chart🔄Nitrogen Cycle GuideAuto-calculate bacteria colonization timeline for new tank cycling🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glance🚿Water Change CalculatorAuto-calculate optimal water change frequency and volume by tank size and fish count🐠Stocking CalculatorCalculate max fish capacity for your tank size with overstocking alerts🏞️Tank Layout PlannerGet substrate, plant & hardscape suggestions based on tank size and style🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Redfin flasher wrasse in the encyclopedia

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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

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