Pseudocheilinus hexataenia

Datasheet

General Description

The Six Line Wrasse, scientifically known as Pseudocheilinus hexataenia, is a member of the Labridae family. These fish are popular in aquariums for their attractive appearance and effective flatworm and pyramid snail control. They are known for their six distinct lines running horizontally across their bodies.

Aquarium Suitability

The Six Line Wrasse is considered suitable for aquariums, but with caution due to its aggressive nature towards other fish species. It is important to provide regular feeding, plenty of hiding spots, and ample space to mitigate its aggressive tendencies. Additionally, this species is known to jump out of open aquariums and pose a threat to small crustaceans like shrimps and crabs.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This wrasse is hardy and requires a minimum tank size of 200 liters. They thrive best when housed without other members of the same species and appreciate plenty of hiding spaces, especially when newly introduced into an aquarium. The fish is hermaphroditic, with the ability to change gender from female to male as needed.

Reef Suitability

The Six Line Wrasse is considered reef-safe, making it a suitable addition to reef aquariums. They pose no threat to coral or other invertebrates typically found in a reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Six Line Wrasse, it is essential to provide adequate hiding places among rocks and crevices. A well-established tank with stable water conditions, including a temperature range of 22.2-25.6 degrees Celsius, pH of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, is recommended.

Behaviour

This species is known to be aggressive towards other fish, especially those of similar size. Despite their aggressive tendencies, they will hide when threatened by larger or more aggressive species. Six Line Wrasses do not bury themselves in the sand but prefer resting between rocks in the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet

The diet of the Six Line Wrasse consists of a variety of foods, including small crustaceans, zooplankton, krill, mysis, and artemia. They should be fed multiple times a day, especially when newly introduced to ensure they are well-fed and healthy.

Habitat and Distribution

These wrasses are native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea south to South Africa and east to the Tuamoto Islands. They can also be found as far north as the Ryukyu Islands and as far south as Lord Howe and the Austral Islands. The natural habitat of the Six Line Wrasse includes areas with rocks and crevices where they can seek shelter and rest.