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Flame Wrasse

The Flame Wrasse is a saltwater fish native to Hawaii, prized for a body color that glows in shades of red and orange like a flame. Males become even more vivid when displaying breeding colors, making them a real standout in any tank. Their calm, peaceful temperament makes them a good fit for reef tanks, as they rarely bother tankmates or corals. Reaching only about 8 to 10 cm as adults, they stay compact, with a typical lifespan of 5 to 8 years. As a species that naturally lives in somewhat deeper reef zones, it can be a bit sensitive to water quality and environmental changes, which is why it's generally considered suited to intermediate-level keepers. Some prior experience with saltwater fishkeeping will help you enjoy its beauty with more confidence.

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About Flame Wrasse

A guide to the Flame Wrasse, a Hawaiian endemic prized for its fiery red-orange color, calm temperament, 8-10cm adult size, and 5-8 year lifespan.

7 things to know before welcoming a Flame Wrasse

  1. 1Prefers Deeper Waters

    In the wild, Flame Wrasses inhabit somewhat deeper reef zones. Provide plenty of rockwork and live rock in the tank so they have places to retreat and feel secure, and take care to avoid sudden shifts in water quality.

  2. 2Suited to Intermediate Keepers

    This species is generally rated as suitable for intermediate-level aquarists. Prior experience setting up a saltwater tank and managing water parameters will help you keep it more successfully.

  3. 3Peaceful and Reef-Compatible

    Its peaceful nature means it rarely harms corals or invertebrates, making it a good reef tank candidate. That said, it may prey on small crustaceans, so choose tankmates with care.

  4. 4Males Display Breeding Colors

    Males become even more vividly red-orange when displaying breeding colors. Like many wrasses, this species can undergo sex change, and coloration may shift as the fish matures.

  5. 5Compact Adult Size

    Adults stay a compact 8 to 10 cm, so an extremely large tank isn't required. That said, they're active swimmers, so make sure to provide adequate open swimming space.

  6. 6Watch for Jumping

    Wrasses can startle and jump suddenly out of the water. Fit the tank with a secure lid and seal any gaps to help prevent jumping accidents.

  7. 7May Bury in the Sand

    Many wrasses, including this species, may bury themselves in the sand at night or when startled. Providing a layer of fine sand they can burrow into can help them feel more secure.

Frequently asked questions about Flame Wrasse

Q.Is the Flame Wrasse subject to CITES?
A.The Flame Wrasse is not subject to CITES. No special procedures are required when bringing one home.
Q.Can beginners keep a Flame Wrasse?
A.This species is generally rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. It's best to gain some basic saltwater fishkeeping and water-quality management experience before bringing one home.
Q.How large does it grow?
A.Adults typically reach about 8 to 10 cm, making them a relatively compact saltwater fish.
Q.What is its lifespan?
A.With appropriate care, its typical lifespan is around 5 to 8 years.
Q.Can it be kept with other fish and corals?
A.Its peaceful temperament and low risk of harming corals or invertebrates make it a good fit for reef tanks. Just be aware it may prey on small crustaceans.

Useful tools for Flame 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 Flame Wrasse in the encyclopedia

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

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