Madagascar Half-Banded Flasher Wrasse
Paracheilinus hemitaeniatus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 6 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Madagascar Half-Banded Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus hemitaeniatus) is a rare Paracheilinus “flasher wrasse” known for clean longitudinal banding and a high-contrast display posture when a male flares its fins. This species is associated with Madagascar and nearby coastal regions, and it’s often discussed as a “Holy Grail” flasher wrasse due to how infrequently it appears in the hobby.
What You’ll Observe:
- Quick, controlled dashes into the water column followed by a return to the same rockwork zone
- A steady “patrol” pattern—moving in and among reef structure while visually scanning for food
- Male fin-flares and color intensification during social moments and around feeding time
- A consistent evening routine of settling into rockwork to rest (often choosing the same general area)
To succeed long-term, provide an established reef with ample rock structure plus open swimming lanes, and use a tight-fitting lid or mesh top. Offer small meaty foods (like mysis/brine and other finely sized marine items) along with quality pellets, split into multiple small feedings for best consistency. Plan stocking so social dynamics stay calm—this helps you see more natural flashing behavior.
Does this wrasse need a sand bed to sleep normally?
Most flasher wrasses rest in rockwork rather than burying, so rock structure with secure sleeping spots is the main priority.
Will it “flash” even if I keep only one?
Many keepers report occasional fin-flares and quick display dashes in response to feeding, lighting changes, or nearby tankmates, even without a harem.
Can I keep it with other wrasses?
Mixed-wrasse tanks can work well when body shape and “role” overlap are managed; keep introductions orderly and avoid stacking multiple very similar flashers.
Why does it look different at different times of day?
Flasher wrasses can shift between a calmer “everyday” look and a more intense display look, especially during social moments.
How do I encourage it to spend more time out in the open?
A stable routine (lighting and feeding), open swim space, and calm tankmate behavior typically lead to more visible midwater activity.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
Recently viewed products
