Eightline Wrasse

The Eightline Wrasse is a beautiful flasher wrasse distinguished by eight vivid horizontal lines running along its body, giving it its common name. Males display brilliant colors including red, orange, and blue, with the characteristic stripes becoming more prominent during courtship flashing displays. This species belongs to the genus Paracheilinus and should not be confused with the unrelated Pseudocheilinus octotaenia, which is a different eight-line wrasse in a separate genus. During flashing displays, males rapidly extend their dorsal and anal fins while intensifying their body colors in a spectacular burst that lasts only seconds.

In the wild, Paracheilinus octotaenia is found across the Western Pacific, including the Red Sea and Indonesia. It inhabits rubble slopes and reef margins at moderate depths of 15 to 40 meters. Males maintain small harems of females and perform their characteristic flashing courtship displays primarily in the late afternoon hours. The species is often found in small aggregations near the reef edge where currents deliver planktonic food.

The Eightline Wrasse is an intermediate-level species well-suited to reef aquariums. It is completely reef-safe, peaceful, and adapts well to captive conditions. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential as flasher wrasses are notorious jumpers. The species thrives in a 55-gallon or larger aquarium with moderate water flow and open swimming space. It can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small harems where the male's flashing display behavior provides a captivating natural show.