Common name: Six Line Wrasse
General information
The Six Line Wrasse, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamic movement to a reef aquarium. Recognizable by its six horizontal stripes running the length of its body, this wrasse is a small, elongated fish that can reach up to about 8 cm (3 inches) in length. It is known for its striking purple, blue, and orange coloration, and its ability to quickly dart around the aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 8 cm (3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at fins of others
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrassePseudocheilinus
- SpeciesSix Line WrassePseudocheilinus hexataenia (Bleeker, 1857)
- Synonyms? hexateania Bleeker, 1857Cheilinus hexataenia Bleeker, 1857Cossyphus echis Guichenot, 1869Pseudocheilinus hexataenis (Bleeker, 1857)Pseudocheilinus hexateania (Bleeker, 1857)Pseudocheilinus psittaculus Kner & Steindachner, 1867Pseudocheinilus hexateania (Bleeker, 1857)Pseudolabrus hexataenia (Bleeker, 1857)
Care
Six Line Wrasses are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both beginner and advanced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. These wrasses are known to be voracious predators of small pests, such as bristle worms and flatworms, which makes them beneficial for maintaining a healthy reef ecosystem. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, will keep them in optimal health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Six Line Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male if no dominant male is present. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but with a group consisting of one male and several females, spawning may occur. The male will perform a courtship dance to attract a female, and if successful, they will release eggs and sperm into the water column for external fertilization.
Habitat
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to South Africa and east to the Line Islands. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. In the aquarium, they require a similar environment with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate to emulate their natural habitat.