IMPRESSIVE NEW FLASHER WRASSES SPECIES FOUND IN THE INDO-PACIFIC
The species in the genus Paracheilinus are appropriately called flasher wrasses (or simply flashers), and they are very closely related to fairy wrasses of the genus Cirrhilabrus.
This common name is derived from their grandeur “flashing” behavior observed during courting or mating where the male will make quick, exaggerated lateral moves while intensifying his colors and erecting his fins to attract a mate.
Paracheilinus xanthocirritus - Currently known from the South China Sea at the Anambas Islands, Indonesia In the picture, two nuptial male Paracheilinus xanthocirritus
Paracheilinus paineorum with a wide distribution throughout central Indonesia in the picture a male courting female (left)
Paracheilinus alfianiis currently known only from the type locality on the northern coast of Lembata Island in the Lesser Sunda Group of Indonesia
These fish can reach up to 50 cm long… but that doesn’t include their monster-mouth!
They swim around coral reefs, anywhere from east Africa to Hawaii, peering into rocky crevices and coral branches as they search for crustaceans and small fish to prey on.
When they find something, they shoot their mouth out until it’s a tube up to half as long as their body. With this they can ambush prey or vacuum them out of nooks and crannies.
