Carpenter's flasher wrasse reef compatibility check
Paracheilinus carpenteri
Carpenter's flasher wrasse (Paracheilinus carpenteri) is an intermediate-level wrasse that needs at least 40 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; needs a tight lid. Temperament is peaceful and adults reach about 3 inches. ReefCrafter schedules it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Peaceful display wrasse for covered reefs with calm tankmates and open water.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 40+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
- ✓ Peaceful community tanks.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 40 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without some reef experience and stable parameters.
- ✕ Needs a tight lid.
Compatibility warnings
- Needs a tight lid.
- Can be bullied by aggressive tankmates.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 40 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 40 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 3 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 1
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Yellow coris wrasse
50+ gallons, reef caution.
- Six line wrasse
30+ gallons.
- Melanurus wrasse
55+ gallons, reef caution.
- Pink streaked wrasse
20+ gallons, beginner care.
Equipment that fits
- Waterbox AIO 65.4 Aquarium System (65 gallons)
65-gallon display, above this animal's 40-gallon floor.
- SC Aquariums 66 Gallon Starfire Rimless Reef System (PNP)
66-gallon display, above this animal's 40-gallon floor.
- Innovative Marine 40 NUVO Mini Fusion Lagoon PRO 2 AIO with Black APS Stand
40-gallon display, above this animal's 40-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the carpenter's flasher wrasse need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 40 gallons, based on an adult size of about 3 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the carpenter's flasher wrasse reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Needs a tight lid; Can be bullied by aggressive tankmates.
Is the carpenter's flasher wrasse good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable.
When should I add the carpenter's flasher wrasse to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.