Six Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus Hexataenia) saltwater aquarium fish

The Six Line Wrasse, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia, is a compressed, small-bodied reef wrasse instantly recognized by the six crisp horizontal lines running the length of an orange, blue, or pinkish body. A contrasting greenish tail and a small false eyespot near the caudal-fin base complete the pattern, and together those two traits separate it from similar-looking relatives. The species ranges broadly across the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and South Africa east into the central Pacific, where it keeps to clear coastal and seaward reefs with dense coral growth.

Adult housing should begin at 30 gallons, with the bulk of the layout devoted to mature live rock built into caves, crevices, and narrow passages. This wrasse spends its day threading through structure in search of prey, so interconnected rockwork matters more than open swimming room. An established system suits it best, since a seasoned rock bed supports the microfauna it hunts constantly. Larger quarters and generous visual barriers also help moderate the territorial streak that develops once the fish settles in. Fit the aquarium with a tight-fitting lid, as this species is capable of jumping.

On the reef, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia feeds chiefly on small crustaceans picked from coral branches and rock surfaces. That carnivorous appetite carries directly into captivity, where finely chopped meaty marine foods and vitamin-enriched frozen preparations such as mysis form the foundation of a good diet. Established specimens usually take marine pellets and flakes without hesitation, which makes long-term feeding straightforward once the fish is settled.

Because it forages repeatedly rather than in single large meals, several small portions spread through the day match its natural rhythm better than one heavy feeding. A newly introduced individual that ignores prepared food can often be coaxed into feeding with live saltwater feeder shrimp. Expect the fish to supplement whatever you offer by hunting copepods, pyramidellid snails, flatworms, and small bristleworms within the rockwork, a habit many reefkeepers value.

Mysis Shrimp Finely Chopped Meaty Marine Foods Vitamin-Enriched Frozen Preparations Marine Pellets Marine Flakes Live Saltwater Feeder Shrimp
Wild fish are shy and secretive, sheltering among coral branches and occasionally forming small loose groups. In the aquarium the species behaves quite differently, becoming an active and persistent forager that patrols rockwork throughout the day. Once fully established it often grows territorial, and peaceful wrasses, similarly shaped fish, timid species, and newly introduced tankmates are the most likely targets of intimidation. Adding this wrasse late in the stocking sequence gives more vulnerable fish time to claim their own space first. Keeping more than one Six Line Wrasse is generally discouraged unless the aquarium is very large and carefully structured with separate territories.

This is a reef-safe fish where corals are concerned, and it leaves sessile invertebrates and most larger motile invertebrates alone. Reef safe does not mean harmless to everything, however. Documented prey includes pyramidellid snails associated with clams, commensal flatworms, small bristleworms, copepods, and other tiny crustaceans, so very small or delicate invertebrates you wish to preserve may disappear over time. Clam keepers frequently consider that appetite an asset rather than a liability.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Six Line Wrasse

  • How large an aquarium does an adult Six Line Wrasse need?
    Plan on at least 75 gallons for an adult, with extensive broken-up rockwork throughout. Extra volume and visual barriers are especially helpful when housing timid fish or other wrasses.
  • Will a Six Line Wrasse harm corals or invertebrates?
    Corals and most larger invertebrates are left alone, so it is considered reef safe. It does actively hunt tiny animals, including pyramidellid snails, flatworms, small bristleworms, copepods, and other minute crustaceans.
  • How do I get a newly added Six Line Wrasse eating?
    Start with finely chopped meaty foods and vitamin-enriched frozen preparations offered in small portions through the day. If it refuses prepared food at first, live saltwater feeder shrimp often trigger a feeding response.