Paracheilinus lineopunctatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Spot-lined flasher, scientifically known as Paracheilinus lineopunctatus, belongs to the Labridae family. These Flasher Wrasses are renowned for their vibrant colors and can often be seen swimming in the open water. Males typically exhibit more striking colors and may have elongated filaments on their dorsal fin. In captivity, maintaining their vivid coloration can be challenging, requiring a diverse and high-quality diet.

Aquarium Suitability

The Spot-lined flasher is considered suitable for aquariums with caution, as they are known to be peaceful yet shy. It is advisable not to house them with aggressive species, and they function best as a pair (one male and one female) or one male with multiple females. Their docile temperament makes them vulnerable to aggression from similar species, necessitating careful tankmate selection.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species is classified as having average hardiness and requires a tank size of at least 200 liters. They are sensitive during transportation and acclimatization, emphasizing the need for a smooth transition to the aquarium environment. Spot-lined flashers are known to hide initially, especially when acclimating, so it is crucial not to disturb them during this period to facilitate a smoother adjustment process.

Reef Suitability

The Spot-lined flasher is always considered reef-safe, making them an excellent choice for reef aquariums. They play a vital role in controlling unwanted invertebrates such as flatworms and pyramid snails. However, it is essential to provide them with ample hiding spaces among live rocks to alleviate stress and promote natural behavior.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Spot-lined flashers, ensure adequate hiding places like live rocks are available. Maintaining stable water conditions with a pH between 8.1-8.4, temperature ranging from 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is crucial. These wrasses prefer a well-established tank with minimal disturbances to help them acclimate comfortably.

Behaviour

Spot-lined flashers exhibit docile behavior but may display aggression towards similar species. They are known to form mucus-covered cocoons between rocks for sleeping at night and can be active swimmers during the day, particularly when housed in a group with multiple females and one or two males.

Feeding and Diet

This species thrives on a varied diet consisting of small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as cyclops and pods. They require frequent feeding, especially when first introduced to ensure they are actively consuming food.

Dimorphism

Spot-lined flashers are hermaphroditic, meaning they have the ability to change gender from female to male. In setups with one male and multiple females, a female can transition into a male if the need arises. Additionally, this species exhibits multiple color variations, posing a challenge for identification due to their resemblance to other species within the Paracheilinus genus.

Habitat and Distribution

Originally found in the Western Pacific, specifically in the Philippines, Spot-lined flashers inhabit reef environments, showcasing a preference for rocky areas with ample hiding spots. Understanding their natural habitat and distribution aids in creating a suitable aquarium environment that mirrors their native surroundings.