© Gdiggers / CC BY-SA 3.0Redfin 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.
View Redfin flasher wrasse encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!
Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
BreederDirect's 6 Transparency Promises
Every Marine Fish listing shows Breeder's full disclosure. No wild-caught. Captive-bred priority, tank size guidance, temperament details—transparent aquaculture.
- Captive-bred
- WYSIWYG
- Reef-safe
- Care Info Included
- Origin Disclosed
- Temperament Listed
Browse all 215 breeds
Care Difficulty
Reef-safe
Temperament
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Are you raising marine fish?
Register as a breeder and connect with buyers directly.
Apply as a breederRedfin 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Learn more about Redfin flasher wrasse in the encyclopedia
View Redfin flasher wrasse encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.

