McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
The McCosker's Flasher Wrasse is a small but eye-catching wrasse, its orange body streaked with neon blue lines. Its name comes from the "flashing" display males perform during courtship, spreading their fins wide to show off vivid color — a memorable sight when you happen to catch it in the tank. Generally peaceful and reef-safe, it pairs well with corals and other small, non-aggressive fish. At just 6-8cm as an adult, it stays compact enough to suit tanks without demanding excessive space. That said, it tends to settle in best when kept alone or with careful tankmate selection, so compatibility is worth thinking through. Considered suitable for intermediate keepers, it fits those who already have some experience managing stable water quality and reef conditions.
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Apply as a breederMcCosker's Flasher Wrasse key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 4-6 years
- Size
- 6-8cm
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- Diet
- Zooplankton, frozen food, pellets
- Tank
- 60cm+. Lid absolutely essential — extreme jumper
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Keep the water at 24-27°C with good water quality. An active swimmer, so allow plenty of open swimming space.
- Diet & Feeding
- A zooplankton feeder that readily takes frozen foods and pellets. Because it swims constantly, feed in several small portions.
- Keeping Style
- Ideal as harem: 1 male + multiple females
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Peaceful and reef-safe. An excellent community fish that does no harm to corals or invertebrates and mixes with many species.
- Lighting
- Colors better in moderate light. Best flashing near lights-out
About McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
A striking small wrasse in orange with neon-blue lines. Reef-safe, 4-6 year lifespan, grows to 6-8cm. Best suited to intermediate keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
1Watch for the flashing display
Males perform a display called "flashing," spreading their fins wide to show off vivid color during courtship — the behavior the species is named for, and one of the joys of keeping it. When and how often you see it varies by individual and setup.
2Reef-safe and sociable
This species is reef-safe, rarely bothering corals or invertebrates, which makes it a good fit for reef tanks. It also gets along well with other small, peaceful fish.
3A compact adult size
Adults reach only about 6-8cm, staying compact throughout life. This modest size makes them easier to accommodate without needing excessive tank space.
4Often calmer kept singly
They can show territorial behavior toward conspecifics or similarly colored fish, and tend to settle in more calmly when kept alone. If housing with tankmates, think carefully about the combination.
5Guard against jumping
Like many wrasses, this species may jump out of the tank when startled. A secure lid or gap coverage helps keep them safe.
6They may bury in the sand
They sometimes bury themselves in the substrate at night or when feeling threatened. Providing a reasonably deep sand bed can help them feel more secure.
7Suited to intermediate keepers
This species is rated as suitable for intermediate keepers, so some experience with water quality management and tank maintenance is recommended. Expected lifespan is around 4-6 years.
Frequently asked questions about McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
- Q.Can beginners keep this fish?
- A.This species is rated for intermediate keepers. It's best to have some experience with water quality management and reef tank maintenance before bringing one home.
- Q.Can it be kept with other fish?
- A.It's generally reef-safe and peaceful, but may show territorial behavior toward conspecifics or similarly colored fish. Choose tankmates carefully.
- Q.How big does it grow?
- A.It's a small wrasse that reaches about 6-8cm as an adult, and doesn't require an especially large tank.
- Q.What is the "flashing" behavior?
- A.It's a courtship display where males spread their fins wide to show off vivid color — the behavior this species is named after.
- Q.What is its lifespan?
- A.With appropriate care, the expected lifespan is around 4-6 years.
Useful tools for McCosker's Flasher Wrasse care
Learn more about McCosker's Flasher Wrasse in the encyclopedia
View McCosker's Flasher Wrasse encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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