McCosker's Flasher Wrasse - Paracheilinus mccoskeri - Male

McCosker's Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus mccoskeri) is a small pinkish-red wrasse with blue lines and a high dorsal fin. Depending on the region the wrasse was collected from, some of these wrasses may have brilliant yellow coloration. They are notorious for cross-breeding with other fairy wrasses however, so their bright coloration is sometimes muted. They can be identified by the single elongated ray in their dorsal fin.

Fairy Wrasses (Cirrhilabrus sp.) and Flasher Wrasses (Paracheilinus sp.) have a generally placid temperament and tolerate most tankmates, provided that they have plenty of places to escape to and hide to feel secure. Flasher Wrasses tend to be more active and outgoing than Fairy Wrasses and the two groups may be aggressive towards each other. Males of both groups are usually brighter in color than juveniles and females, and males will show their colors and behavior to the best advantage in the presence of a female. Regional variations and cross-breeding within each groups can make identification difficult.

Both Fairy and Flasher wrasses can usually be found around rubble piles and rockwork and should have plenty in the tank to retreat to. These wrasses are perfect for reef aquariums. Most will not harm corals, polyps or most invertebrates but should not be kept with very small crustaceans like Sexy Shrimp. These fish are known jumpers, so the tank should be covered at all times.

These wrasses will usually accept most types of small foods once acclimated. They can be fed a varied diet of flakes, frozen and fresh foods like copepods, Cyclops, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and similar items.