Eight Lined Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus Octotaenia) saltwater aquarium fish portrait

Pseudocheilinus octotaenia carries a compressed, fusiform body marked by the eight longitudinal lines that give the species its name. Aquarium specimens typically show an orange ground color crossed by eight horizontal red stripes, with finely detailed patterning across the fins and tail. The species occupies seaward reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, ranging from East Africa east to the Hawaiian and Ducie islands and north to the Yaeyama Islands. Adults reach roughly 6 inches, making this the largest member of its genus commonly seen in the trade.

Plan on a 75-gallon or larger aquarium for an adult, furnished with generous rockwork that provides caves, crevices and shaded passages. Live rock serves a dual purpose here, offering both shelter and a foraging surface the wrasse will pick over throughout the day. Unlike many wrasses, this species does not normally bury itself in sand overnight; it wedges into rock crevices, caves or coral branches instead, so structural cover matters more than an open sand bed. A secure lid or full cover is essential, since a startled individual may jump.

On the reef, the Eight Lined Wrasse feeds primarily on benthic crustaceans, supplementing that intake with small mollusks, sea urchins, fish eggs and crab larvae. In captivity it takes a varied carnivorous menu: vitamin-enriched frozen mysis and brine shrimp, finely chopped enriched fish or shrimp flesh, other meaty preparations, and marine flakes or pellets once the fish settles in.

Feed two to three times daily. Maintaining adequate nutrition is one of the genuine husbandry challenges with this genus, so watch body condition closely and vary the offerings rather than relying on a single item. Enriching frozen foods before feeding helps, and a rock structure full of small live prey gives the fish something to hunt between meals.

Frozen Mysis Shrimp Enriched Brine Shrimp Chopped Shrimp Flesh Chopped Fish Flesh Meaty Frozen Preparations Marine Pellets Marine Flakes
This is a territorial, aggressive wrasse that should be kept as a single specimen. Aggression is most pronounced toward other wrasses, and only unusually spacious, carefully managed systems justify any departure from one individual per aquarium. Despite its assertiveness, the fish is also secretive, spending considerable time weaving through rock crevices and reappearing to patrol open water. Appropriate tankmates are larger, moderately aggressive fish able to hold their own; peaceful or vulnerable wrasses are poor matches. When it is destined for an aggressive community, introducing this wrasse first helps it establish itself without contesting an entrenched resident.

Corals are generally left alone, but the species rates as reef safe with caution because it actively hunts mobile invertebrates. Ornamental shrimp, crabs, other small crustaceans, snails and sea urchins are all at risk, as are bristleworms. That appetite has an upside: the wrasse may pick off parasitic snails associated with Tridacna clams. Weigh that benefit against the likely losses among cleanup crew and display invertebrates before adding one to a mixed reef.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Eight Lined Wrasse

  • How large an aquarium does an adult Eight Lined Wrasse need?
    Plan on a minimum of 75 gallons for an adult, with extensive rockwork that supplies caves and crevices. The species reaches about 6 inches and patrols a defined territory.
  • Is the Eight Lined Wrasse safe for a reef aquarium?
    It generally leaves corals unharmed but is reef safe only with caution, since it preys on shrimp, crabs, snails, urchins, bristleworms and other small mobile invertebrates.
  • Can it be housed with other wrasses or peaceful community fish?
    Keep it as the only wrasse in the system, as it can be strongly aggressive toward others of its kind. Pair it with larger, assertive fish capable of defending themselves.