Paracheilinus attenuatus goes under a few different names depending on who you ask, here at Quality Marine, we use the most common of the common names: Diamond Tail Flasher Wrasse. You'll also hear it called the Royal Flasher or Lyretail Flasher (especially by OG – original geek - hobbyists who've been keeping this genus for years.) Whatever you call it, this is one of the most striking small wrasses to come out of East Africa, and it remains a bit of an underappreciated gem simply because collection numbers out of Kenya and the eastern Indian Ocean have always been modest compared to the more heavily exported Indo-Pacific flasher species (for a wide variety of political, logistical and safety reasons.) That relative scarcity is a shame in that this fish deserves a much bigger following than it has. On the other hand, it keeps this aquarium gem as rare as any jewel should be.
As is the case with all the fish in the Paracheilinus genus, the color difference between males and females of this species is dramatic enough that new hobbyists might assume they're looking at two entirely different fish. Mature males show off a gorgeous apple-red body with a yellow underside, cut through with horizontal blue or pink striping, and finished off with flaring dorsal and caudal fins that give the species its diamond-tail nickname. What's especially nice about this particular flasher is that the males hold onto that vivid coloration even outside of full nuptial display, unlike some Flasher species that only show their most amazing colors during those brief flashing bursts. Females, by contrast, are considerably more subdued, typically a soft orange dreamsicle color with almost no barring and only the faintest vestige of the diamond tail. Like every other member of this genus, Diamond Tail Flashers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning every fish starts life as a female, and the most socially dominant individual in a group will eventually transition into the single male.
Feeding is refreshingly simple assuming nothing is scaring them into hiding. This species does best with at least a few small meals a day of meaty foods, and we build that routine around Gamma's frozen line, particularly Mysis Shrimp, Copepods, Rotifers and enriched brine shrimp, both of which are sized well and readily accepted. Gamma's Cyclop-eeze is another great addition for variety and for really bringing out color intensity in the male. For a reliable daily base to supplement those frozen feedings, Nutramar's Marine Complete Pellets and Crumbles are the way to go to maintain both health and that vivid coloration over the long term. Click here to learn more
As is the case with all the fish in the Paracheilinus genus, the color difference between males and females of this species is dramatic enough that new hobbyists might assume they're looking at two entirely different fish. Mature males show off a gorgeous apple-red body with a yellow underside, cut through with horizontal blue or pink striping, and finished off with flaring dorsal and caudal fins that give the species its diamond-tail nickname. What's especially nice about this particular flasher is that the males hold onto that vivid coloration even outside of full nuptial display, unlike some Flasher species that only show their most amazing colors during those brief flashing bursts. Females, by contrast, are considerably more subdued, typically a soft orange dreamsicle color with almost no barring and only the faintest vestige of the diamond tail. Like every other member of this genus, Diamond Tail Flashers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning every fish starts life as a female, and the most socially dominant individual in a group will eventually transition into the single male.
Feeding is refreshingly simple assuming nothing is scaring them into hiding. This species does best with at least a few small meals a day of meaty foods, and we build that routine around Gamma's frozen line, particularly Mysis Shrimp, Copepods, Rotifers and enriched brine shrimp, both of which are sized well and readily accepted. Gamma's Cyclop-eeze is another great addition for variety and for really bringing out color intensity in the male. For a reliable daily base to supplement those frozen feedings, Nutramar's Marine Complete Pellets and Crumbles are the way to go to maintain both health and that vivid coloration over the long term. Click here to learn more
