Six-Line WrassePseudocheilinus hexataenia

About the Six-Line Wrasse

Six-line wrasse is one of the most popular small wrasses in the hobby - orange/red body with six vivid blue/green horizontal stripes. Reef-safe and natural predator of small flatworms and pyramidellid snails (Tridacna clam pests). Aggressive toward other small wrasses - keep as a single specimen in mixed-wrasse tanks under 100 gallons.

Native range: Indo-Pacific. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade. The Six-Line Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Hexataenia grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.

What size tank does the Six-Line Wrasse need?

Tank size: 30 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Lid: tight-fitting, gap-free. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.

Flow: moderate to moderately strong is preferred by most wrasses - they evolved on current-swept reefs. Lighting: standard reef LED works for all wrasses; the fish itself does not require special spectrum.

What does the Six-Line Wrasse eat?

Carnivore - mysis, brine, copepods, pellets, will pick at parasites. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss - schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.

Compatible tank mates

Safe: Most reef-safe fish 3"+ that can tolerate occasional harassment.

Avoid: Other six-lines; small timid wrasses; very shy fish.

Breeding

Not captive bred. Most wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites - born female, transition to male as they reach social dominance in a group. Tank breeding of wrasses is rare due to the complex behaviors and pelagic egg-laying that resists captive replication.

Common problems and solutions

Aggression toward newer additions; nipping at fairy wrasse fins.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Six-Line Wrasse?

Reef-safe and natural predator of small flatworms and pyramidellid snails (Tridacna clam pests). Aggressive toward other small wrasses - keep as a single specimen in mixed-wrasse tanks under 100 gallons. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade.

What size tank does the Six-Line Wrasse need?

The Six-Line Wrasse needs a tank of at least 30 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.

Is the Six-Line Wrasse hard to keep?

The Six-Line Wrasse is rated beginner difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 30 gallons, a temperature of 74-82°F and salinity of 1.024-1.026. Adults reach about 3" and live 5-10 years. Reef-safe and natural predator of small flatworms and pyramidellid snails (Tridacna clam pests). Aggressive toward other small wrasses - keep as a single specimen in mixed-wrasse tanks under 100 gallons.

What does the Six-Line Wrasse eat?

Carnivore - mysis, brine, copepods, pellets, will pick at parasites. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss - schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.

What are common problems with the Six-Line Wrasse?

Aggression toward newer additions; nipping at fairy wrasse fins. Keeper note: Useful for biological control of red flatworms and pyramidellid snails. But will harass other small fish and wrasses - careful tank-mate planning required. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.

Related wrasses