McCosker's Flasher Wrasse

McCosker's Flasher Wrasse is one of the most spectacular and sought-after flasher wrasses in the marine aquarium hobby. Males display a stunning array of colors including a red-orange body, a vivid yellow dorsal fin with elongated filamentous rays, and striking blue and red markings on the face and fins. During courtship displays, males intensify their colors dramatically and extend their fins to full spread, producing brilliant flashes of color that give the flasher wrasse group its common name. Females are more subdued, displaying an attractive pinkish-orange body with white accents.

In the wild, Paracheilinus mccoskeri is found across the Indo-Pacific, from the coast of East Africa through the Indian Ocean to Indonesia and the western Pacific. It inhabits rubble slopes and the margins of coral reefs at moderate depths, typically between 10 and 40 meters. Males maintain small territories with harems of several females, and the spectacular courtship displays occur primarily in the late afternoon as the males compete for female attention. The flashing display involves rapid fin extensions and color intensification that lasts only seconds but is repeated frequently.

McCosker's Flasher Wrasse is an intermediate-level species that adapts well to aquarium life when its basic requirements are met. It is completely reef-safe and among the most peaceful wrasses available, making it an ideal addition to any reef aquarium. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as all flasher wrasses are notorious jumpers. The species thrives with moderate water flow and open swimming space in the upper water column. It can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small harems of one male with several females in larger tanks, where the male's courtship displays provide one of the most captivating natural shows in the hobby.