The Six-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) is a vibrant and active marine fish popular among aquarium enthusiasts for its striking appearance and beneficial behaviors.
Key Information
• Small fish safe: Yes
• Small invert safe: Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 75 liters (20 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 10 cm (4 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small crustaceans and pests like flatworms and pyramidellid snails.
• Be aware of: May exhibit aggression towards similar species or new tank mates; requires ample hiding spots and live rock for foraging; known to be a jumper, so a covered aquarium is essential.
Appearance and Coloration
The Six-Line Wrasse boasts a vibrant violet body adorned with six horizontal orange stripes along its flanks. Additional features include:
• A small eyespot on the dorsal part of the base of the caudal fin.
• A blue stripe along the base of the anal fin.
• A blue streak on the pelvic fin.
• Distinctive red eyes.
These features make it a visually striking addition to marine aquariums.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
In the wild, Six-Line Wrasses inhabit seaward reefs among coral branches, as well as clear coastal waters with dense coral habitats on shallow reef crests or slopes, typically up to depths of about 20 meters. They are often found in small, loose groups, swimming among coral branches for protection. Their diet mainly consists of small crustaceans.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
To ensure the well-being of the Six-Line Wrasse in captivity:
• Minimum Tank Size: A 20-gallon (75 liters) aquarium is recommended to provide sufficient space.
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 22°C – 26°C (72°F – 79°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
• Aquascaping: Incorporate ample live rock to create hiding spots and grazing areas, mimicking their natural reef habitat.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable.
• Water Movement: Moderate flow to simulate their natural environment.
Maintaining stable water conditions and high water quality is crucial for their health. A mature, well-established aquarium with abundant live rock will support their natural foraging behavior and provide necessary shelter.
Diet and Feeding
Six-Line Wrasses are carnivorous and adapt well to captive diets:
• Diet: Offer a varied diet consisting of:
• Vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp.
• Vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp.
• Other meaty foods.
• High-quality marine flake and pellet food.
They are also known to feed on unwanted pests on live rock, such as bristleworms, flatworms, and pyramidellid snails, making them beneficial for reef aquariums.
Compatibility and Social Structure
While generally peaceful, Six-Line Wrasses can exhibit semi-aggressive behavior, especially towards similar species or new tank mates:
• Social Structure: Best kept singly unless in a very large aquarium where multiple individuals can establish territories.
• Temperament: May act aggressively towards peaceful wrasses and other easily intimidated fish, especially if inadequately fed or if the habitat lacks hiding places.
• Compatible Tank Mates: Suitable companions include peaceful community fish such as gobies, blennies, and wrasses. Caution is advised when housing with other wrasses or species with similar coloration.
Observing their interactions and providing ample space can help mitigate aggressive behaviors. Due to their territorial nature, they should be housed with non-aggressive tank mates to prevent stress.
Important Considerations
• Reef Compatibility: Considered reef-safe, they should leave corals and other beneficial invertebrates alone. They may even help control pyramidellid snail populations if you’re having problems with these snails and your clams.
• Acclimation: They may be shy upon introduction but typically become more confident over time.
• Health: Ensure a varied diet and stable water conditions to prevent common health issues.
• Jumping Behavior: Known to be jumpers, so a covered aquarium is essential to prevent escape.
With proper care and attention to their specific needs, Six-Line Wrasses can be a vibrant and beneficial addition to a marine aquarium.