Paracheilinus angulatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Angular flasher, scientifically known as Paracheilinus angulatus, is a vibrant member of the Labridae family, commonly referred to as the Royal flasher-wrasse or Angular flasher. This species hails from the Western Central Pacific, particularly the Philippines and Indonesia. Flasher Wrasses are recognized for their striking colors and preference for swimming in the water column. Males often boast more elaborate features like longer filaments on their dorsal fin, while females tend to be less conspicuous.

Aquarium Suitability

With an average hardiness level, the Angular flasher is considered suitable for aquariums with care. These fish thrive in pairs, preferably one male and one female, or with one male alongside multiple females to maintain harmony. However, care must be taken when housing them with similar species as aggression may arise, especially if adequate space is not provided. It is essential to offer hiding spots among live rocks for these shy creatures, allowing them to retreat when needed.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Angular flashers require meticulous care to ensure their well-being in captivity. They are sensitive during transport and acclimatization to a new aquarium environment. Setting up an appropriate hiding place among live rocks is crucial for their security. Regular feeding with a varied diet consisting of small crustaceans like krill and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods, is necessary to sustain their health and vibrancy.

Reef Suitability

Angular flashers are known to be reef-safe creatures, making them a favorable addition to reef aquarium setups. Their compatibility with reef environments stems from their peaceful nature and their role in controlling unwanted invertebrates, like flatworms and pyramide snails, making them a valuable asset for reef aquarists.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care of Angular flasher wrasses, a minimum tank size of 200 liters is recommended. Ensuring stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, dKH levels between 8-12, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C is essential. Providing a well-structured environment with ample hiding spots among live rocks is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Angular flashers exhibit peaceful behavior within their own species and other tank mates, as long as they are not kept with aggressive companions. These fish may initially hide upon introduction to a new environment but will gradually acclimate and become more active. At night, they create mucus-covered cocoons between rocks for sleeping.

Feeding and Diet

These wrasses are not particularly picky eaters and will consume a variety of high-quality foods. Feeding several times a day, especially during the acclimatization period, is recommended for their health and coloration maintenance. A diet rich in small crustaceans like mysis and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as pods, is ideal for their nutritional needs.

Dimorphism

Male Angular flashers typically exhibit more vibrant colors and longer fin filaments compared to females. In a group setting with several females and one or two males, the males will often display their colors more prominently. The species can also undergo hermaphroditic changes, with females transitioning to males in certain circumstances.

Habitat and Distribution

The Angular flasher thrives in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific regions. They are often found in reef environments, where they contribute to the ecosystem by preying on a range of invertebrates like zooplankton, crustaceans, and sea urchins. Their distribution primarily spans the waters of the Philippines and Indonesia in the Western Central Pacific.