Fairy Wrasse (Filamented)

The Filamented Fairy Wrasse is a stunning flasher wrasse recognized by the dramatically elongated filaments trailing from its dorsal and anal fins, which give the species its common name. Males are particularly eye-catching, displaying a body that shifts between deep red, orange, and violet hues with electric blue accents along the fin margins. The filamentous extensions become even more pronounced during courtship displays, when the male rapidly flashes his colors and fins in an explosive burst of movement designed to attract females. Females are more modestly colored in shades of pinkish-red with a less elaborate finnage.

In the wild, Paracheilinus filamentosus is found on rubble slopes and reef edges throughout Indonesian waters, typically at depths of 15 to 40 meters. Males maintain small harems and perform their dramatic nuptial displays during the late afternoon hours, rising rapidly in the water column while flaring their elongated fins. These displays are among the most spectacular behaviors observed in any reef fish and are one of the primary reasons this species is so prized by aquarists.

In the home aquarium, the Filamented Fairy Wrasse is a hardy and peaceful addition that adapts readily to captive conditions. It thrives in reef aquariums with moderate flow, open swimming space in the middle water column, and plenty of live rock for retreating. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as this species is an accomplished jumper. Feeding is straightforward, with most specimens eagerly accepting frozen mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp within days of introduction.