Fin's Fish Guide
The Bell's flasher (Paracheilinus bellae) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 7 cm.
Oceania: Indonesia, Marshall Is., Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Wake I.
Description
The Bell's flasher is a flasher wrasse (Labridae) from reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 7 cm and has an elongate, orange-red with blue lines body; courting males spectacularly spread their fins and flash colour in seconds to impress females. As a plankton feeder it hovers in loose schools above coral and rubble slopes and snaps at small zooplankton. Like many wrasses a female can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bell's flasher?
The Bell's flasher has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.
Where does the Bell's flasher live?
The Bell's flasher lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Indonesia, Marshall Is., Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Wake I.
How big does the Bell's flasher get?
The Bell's flasher grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Bell's flasher dangerous to humans?
No, the Bell's flasher is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Paracheilinus
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Bell's flasher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bell's flasher is one of 12,519 species in the app.