The Linespot Flasher Wrasse is also known as the Dot Dash or Spot Lined Flasher Wrasse, and is one of the most peaceful members of all the Flasher Wrasse. This gorgeous fish is an active show-stopper and makes a perfect addition to your peaceful community reef aquarium.
The color of the female is subdued when comparing it to the brilliance of the male. The male during courting will change colors very rapidly, giving it its common name. Colors may vary depending on the fish’s mood, but most adult male Linespot Flasher Wrasse are vivid red in color, with a yellow dorsal fin base color with red filaments, and subtle blue running along the length where the dorsal fin meets the body. These fish are unique in having 4 or 8 red/orange filaments off of the dorsal fin, which can change coloration to white or yellow during their courting display.
In their natural habitat, Linespot Flasher Wrasse have been reported from shallow crests to depths of up to 130 ft. in sheltered reefs. Be sure to provide plenty of rockwork in which to hide and build a sleeping area, though much of the time Linespot Flasher Wrasse prefer schooling in the water column with other wrasse. A single male can be kept with a group of females that is introduced prior to or at the same time as the male. These wrasses like to jump, so a tight fitting canopy is recommended.
Flasher wrasses should be fed two or three times a day in order to maintain their body weight. Since they feed on zooplankton and rarely pick at organisms on live rock, they will not thrive in the reef tank if they are fed infrequently. A good protein skimmer and Live Sand will help decrease the build-up of dissolved organics that may result from this more regular feeding regime.