Fin's Fish Guide
The Redtail flasher (Paracheilinus rubricaudalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
The Redtail flasher is a flasher wrasse (Labridae) from reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 7 cm and has an elongate, red-pink with a bright-red tail 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 Redtail flasher?
The Redtail flasher has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.
Where does the Redtail flasher live?
The Redtail flasher lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea
How big does the Redtail flasher get?
The Redtail flasher grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Redtail flasher dangerous to humans?
No, the Redtail 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 Redtail flasher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Redtail flasher is one of 12,519 species in the app.