Carpenter Wrasse

Carpenter Wrasse

Also known as: Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasse, Carpenter’s Fairy Wrasse

The Carpenter Wrasse is a spectacular flasher wrasse featuring bright red coloration and distinctive elongated dorsal fin. This peaceful, smaller species from Indonesia and Sumatra is sure to be a conversation starter. Males display intensified colors during courtship, making them highly desirable for reef aquariums.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Paracheilinus carpenteri
• Common Names: Carpenter Wrasse, Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasse
• Adult Size: Up to 3 inches
• Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Moderate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide an established aquarium with a great deal of live rock for hiding and scavenging. Create caves and crevices for resting. These active swimmers need open swimming areas. Best in peaceful community setups with plenty of structure for security.
• 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 important
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Quality protein skimmer
  • Efficient filtration
  • Moderate water circulation
  • Tight-fitting lid (known jumpers)

Diet & Feeding

Carpenter Wrasses are carnivores requiring varied meaty nutrition. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, marine flake food
• Frozen Foods: Vitamin-enriched mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood
• Live Foods: Live brine shrimp, copepods
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Special Note: Fast eater; ensure all tank mates receive adequate nutrition

Notes & Considerations

• Features pop of bright red coloration with elongated dorsal fin shape.
• Males more brilliantly colored than females with more impressive fin extensions.
• Colors and fins intensify during courtship displays when “flashing” for females.
• Best kept in groups to promote optimal male coloration and displays.
• Females should be introduced to the aquarium first to establish before males are added.
• Can be harassed by aggressive species or other wrasses if not introduced carefully.
• Hardy and active fish; makes excellent reef aquarium inhabitants.
• Will not bother corals or anemones; truly reef safe.
• Known predator of bristle worms and flatworms (pest control benefit).
• Can be territorial to new additions if established first.
• Provide varied diet multiple times per day for best health and coloration.
• Sequential hermaphrodites; females can change to males.
• Keep a single male with a group of females for best displays.
• May be outcompeted for food by more aggressive feeders.
• Secure lid essential; flasher wrasses are known jumpers.
• Relatively hardy compared to some other flasher wrasse species.

Why Choose a Quarantined Carpenter 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 spectacular and conversation-starting species.