Bell’s Flasher Wrasse (Female)

Bell’s Flasher Wrasse (Female)

Also known as: Bell’s Wrasse

The female Bell’s Flasher Wrasse is a beautiful and peaceful species with more subdued coloration than males. These hardy, reef-safe fish are excellent additions to peaceful community aquariums and make great companions for their more colorful male counterparts.

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. Females should be introduced before males to establish territories. These active swimmers need open areas for cruising with secure hiding spots.
• 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

• Females have more subdued coloration than males and lack large dorsal and anal fins.
• Can be sequential hermaphrodites; dominant females may turn male if male is absent.
• Should be one of the first species introduced to the aquarium as they can be harassed by other fish.
• Best kept with peaceful tank mates in community aquariums.
• Can be kept in groups with multiple females and one male (ratio of 1:2 or more females per male).
• Females should always be introduced before males when keeping groups.
• Secure aquarium lid is essential; these fish are known jumpers.
• Females will encourage males to perform colorful courtship displays.
• Peaceful toward other species but may show territorial behavior with other flasher wrasses if not introduced simultaneously.
• Rarely available in aquarium trade compared to other wrasse species.

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 beautiful and peaceful species.