Red Sea Flasher Wrasse
Paracheilinus octotaenia
Also known as: Eightline Fairy Wrasse, Eightline Flasher Wrasse, Flasher Wrasse, Red Sea Eightline Flasher
- Eightline Fairy Wrasse
- Eightline Flasher Wrasse
- Flasher Wrasse
- Red Sea Eightline Flasher
Overview
Found in harems, over seaward reefs rich in coral growth. Extremely variable in colour, males change colour during display.
Western Indian Ocean - Red Sea
Most reef fish seen by divers during the day, are grazers, they cruise around, just above the surface of the coral, or snoop into crevices, foraging for food.
Wrasses have small protruding teeth, which they use to graze the bottom, taking in a variety of algae, crustaceans, such as crabs, eggs, shrimps, snails and worms. Any hard coats or thick shells, are then ground down by their pharyngeal jaws, and the delicacies inside digested.
From juvenile to adult, wrasses dramatically alter their colour and body shapes.
Wrasses are always on the go during the day, but are the first to go to bed and the last to rise.
Small wrasses dive below the sand to sleep, and larger wrasses wedge themselves in crevices.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Indian Ocean
- Country only · 3
Found in harems, over seaward reefs rich in coral growth.
Adult photos 3
Discussion
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Deep dive
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