Bell’s Flasher Wrasse (Male)

Bell’s Flasher Wrasse (Male)

Also known as: Bell’s Wrasse

The male Bell’s Flasher Wrasse is considered one of the holy grails of wrasse keeping, featuring intensely beautiful colors of red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue. With four long dorsal rays and a prominent lyre-shaped tail, this peaceful species puts on spectacular courtship displays and adds both elegance and activity to reef aquariums.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Paracheilinus bellae
• Common Names: Bell’s Flasher Wrasse, Bell’s Wrasse
• Adult Size: Up to 3 inches
• Lifespan: 4-6 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Easy to Moderate; suitable for most aquarists

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide established aquarium with ample swimming space and plenty of rock work with caves and crevices for resting and hiding. These active swimmers need open areas for cruising. Males should be introduced after females when keeping groups to prevent harassment.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • dKH: 8-12
  • Stable water conditions essential
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Quality protein skimmer
  • Efficient filtration system
  • Moderate water circulation
  • Tight-fitting lid or canopy (known jumpers)

Diet & Feeding

Bell’s Flasher Wrasses are carnivores requiring varied meaty nutrition. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine flake food, marine pellets
• Frozen Foods: Vitamin-enriched mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood
• Live Foods: Live brine shrimp (for variety)
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Special Note: Generally hardy and accepts prepared foods readily

Notes & Considerations

• Males display intensely beautiful fiery colors that intensify during courtship and when threatened.
• Features four long dorsal rays and prominent lyre-shaped tail fin.
• Known to “flash” vibrant colors and fins during mating season and if threatened.
• Should be one of the first species introduced to the aquarium as they can be harassed by other fish.
• Don’t tolerate aggressive tankmates well; best kept with peaceful community fish.
• Can be kept in harems with one male to every 2+ females in larger setups.
• Females encourage males to perform colorful courtship displays.
• Only one male should be kept per tank unless the aquarium is very large.
• Secure aquarium lid is essential; these fish are known jumpers.
• Considered one of the most desirable and rarely available flasher wrasses in the hobby.
• Males are more brilliantly colored with larger, more impressive fins than females.
• Fast eater; ensure all tank mates get adequate nutrition.

Why Choose a Quarantined Bell’s Flasher Wrasse?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this rare and spectacular species.