Common name: Threeline rainbowfish
General information
The Blue-lined wrasse, Stethojulis trilineata, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its striking blue lines that run the length of its body, complemented by a yellowish-green background. As a member of the wrasse family, it exhibits interesting behaviors and a distinct social structure in the wild.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs a varied diet and swimming space
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, and algae
- Social
- Harem Males may be territorial; females in groups
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be aggressive towards conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseStethojulis
- SpeciesThreeline rainbowfishStethojulis trilineata (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
- SynonymsHalichoeres sebae Kner, 1860Halichoeres trilineata (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)Julis casturi Bleeker, 1852Julis phekadopleura Bleeker, 1849Julis sebanus Valenciennes, 1839Julis sukl Montrouzier, 1857Labrus trilineatus Bloch & Schneider, 1801Stethojulis filholi Sauvage, 1880Stethojulis phecadopleura Martens, 1876Stethojulis phekadoleura (Bleeker, 1849)Stethojulis phekadopleura (Bleeker, 1849)Stethojulis triliniata (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Care
Blue-lined wrasses are moderately easy to care for but do require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and rockwork for hiding. They are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid is essential. These wrasses are not overly aggressive but can be territorial, especially towards conspecifics or similar-looking fish. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Stethojulis trilineata exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. This is less commonly observed in the aquarium setting. Breeding in captivity is rare, and there is little information available on successfully raising fry.
Habitat
The Blue-lined wrasse is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the central Pacific. They are typically seen in shallow, clear waters of coral reefs and lagoons, often in small groups. They can be found at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 30 meters.