Six Line Wrasse Fish

ALMOST WYSIWYG – Approx. Size: 2-3 Inches
Six Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)

The Six Line Wrasse is a small, vibrant reef fish packed with personality and utility. Recognized for its electric blue and orange horizontal stripes and striking green tail, this energetic swimmer is a favorite among reef enthusiasts for its pest control abilities and bold behavior. Its constant motion and inquisitive nature make it a lively addition to any saltwater setup.

Tank Requirements

Six Line Wrasses do best in aquariums of 40 gallons or more, with plenty of live rock for foraging, hiding, and sleeping. A tightly sealed lid is essential, as they are agile jumpers, especially when first introduced or startled.

Bold and Busy

Highly active, Six Line Wrasses spend most of their day weaving through rockwork in search of small crustaceans and pests. They are known for their clean-up role, often helping to control populations of flatworms and parasitic snails in reef tanks.

Diet and Feeding

Carnivorous by nature, they readily accept a variety of meaty foods. Offer a mix of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality frozen or pellet foods. Feeding once or twice daily keeps them healthy and vibrant.

Tankmates and Behavior

While generally reef-safe, Six Line Wrasses can become territorial, particularly in smaller tanks or with similarly shaped fish. They do best with peaceful to semi-aggressive tankmates and should be introduced after more passive species. They are safe with corals and most invertebrates, but may nip at very small shrimp or feather dusters.

Introduction to Saltwater Wrasse

Wrasses are fast-swimming, intelligent reef fish known for their striking coloration, active behavior, and diverse personalities. Found in coral reefs and sandy lagoons, these fish thrive in aquariums with rockwork and open swimming space. Many wrasses also serve as natural pest controllers, preying on small invertebrates like bristle worms and pyramid snails. With over 600 species, wrasses range from peaceful reef-safe fish to semi-aggressive predators, making species selection crucial when adding them to an aquarium.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Easy to Moderate – Requires a secure aquarium and proper tankmates Minimum Tank Size: 50 – 125+ gallons Smaller species (e.g., Six-Line Wrasse) – 50+ gallons Larger species (e.g., Harlequin Tusk Wrasse) – 125+ gallons Aquarium Setup: Requires live rock, hiding spots, and a sand bed for burrowing species Wrasses are active and curious, needing ample swimming room. Some species, like the Melanurus Wrasse, prefer a sand bed to burrow in at night.

Diet & Nutrition

Wrasses are carnivorous and require a varied diet of meaty foods to maintain their health and coloration. Diet: Carnivorous – Prefers small invertebrates and protein-rich foods

Recommended Foods:

Mysis shrimp and brine shrimp High-quality marine pellets and flakes Copepods, amphipods, and live prey for finicky eaters Regular feedings enhance their coloration and natural pest-control abilities in reef aquariums.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 5-10+ years Growth Rate: Moderate – Most species reach 4-8 inches, but some exceed 12 inches With proper care and a nutritious diet, wrasses can live over a decade in captivity.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive – Varies by species

Common Challenges & Considerations

Jumping Risk: Wrasses are notorious jumpers—a tight-fitting lid is mandatory. Potential Coral Nipping: Some wrasses may pick at small invertebrates or corals. Burrowing Behavior: Sand-dwelling wrasses require a soft sand bed to sleep in at night. Water Conditions Temperature: 74-80°F dKH (Alkalinity): 8-12 pH: 8.1-8.4 Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025 Wrasses thrive in stable, high-quality reef conditions with strong water flow and oxygenation.

Color Varieties & Popular Species

Wrasses come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a stunning addition to saltwater aquariums. Six-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) – Vibrant purple and orange stripes, known for being territorial Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) – Excellent pest controller, with green and orange markings Radiant Wrasse (Halichoeres iridis) – Striking yellow and red coloration, peaceful nature Christmas Wrasse (Halichoeres claudia) – Beautiful red and green coloration, active and playful