The six-line wrasse is a small, vibrant fish covered in alternating blue and orange horizontal stripes. It is prized as a natural pest controller, actively hunting flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and bristleworms. However, its feisty personality can be a double-edged sword—it may bully timid tankmates and harass new introductions.
Fiche technique
| Scientific name | Pseudocheilinus hexataenia |
| Max size | 3 in (8 cm) |
| Min tank size | 30 gal (115 L) |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Reef safe | Yes (caution) |
| Care level | Easy |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
Présentation
The following sections detail exactly how to keep this species thriving in a saltwater reef environment.
Exigences du bac
Provide plenty of live rock with crevices for hunting and sleeping. Six-line wrasses sleep in rock crevices at night, secreting a mucus cocoon. They are active swimmers that patrol the rockwork. A 30-gallon tank with complex aquascaping works well. They tolerate a wide range of lighting and flow conditions.
Paramètres de l'eau
Maintain standard reef aquarium parameters for long-term health:
- Temperature: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C)
- pH: 8.0–8.4
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 sg
- Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
- Ammonia / Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: < 20 ppm (lower is better for a reef)
Stability is more important than hitting a specific number. Avoid sudden swings in any parameter.
Alimentation
Feed frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets. They actively hunt small invertebrate pests from the rockwork throughout the day. Feed 1–2 times daily. They also consume copepods and amphipods, which can be a concern if you keep a mandarin dragonet.
Comportement et compatibilité
Semi-aggressive and territorial. Best added as one of the last fish to prevent it from bullying newcomers. Can harass peaceful fish like firefish, fairy wrasses, and other small, timid species. Generally good with clownfish, tangs, and larger wrasses. Never keep two six-lines together unless in a very large system. May nip at clam mantles or small shrimp in rare cases.
Reproduction
Pelagic spawners that release eggs into the water column at dusk. Not commonly bred in captivity. Sexing is difficult—males tend to be slightly larger with brighter colors.
Conseils pour réussir
- Add the six-line wrasse last to your tank to minimize territorial aggression.
- Do not keep with mandarin dragonets—they compete for the same copepod food source.
- Excellent at controlling flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and small bristleworms.
- Avoid keeping with other small wrasses like possum or pink-streaked wrasses.
- Provide a complex rockwork structure so subordinate fish can escape and hide.
Questions fréquentes
Will a six-line wrasse eat my shrimp?
Generally no, but rare individuals may harass or kill small ornamental shrimp, especially sexy shrimp or anemone shrimp. Cleaner shrimp and peppermint shrimp are usually safe.
Is the six-line wrasse reef safe?
Mostly yes. They do not eat corals. However, some individuals may pick at clam mantles or harass small invertebrates. This behavior varies by individual.
Can I remove a six-line wrasse if it becomes aggressive?
This is notoriously difficult. Six-line wrasses are fast, agile, and retreat into tiny rock crevices. You may need a fish trap or to remove rockwork to catch one.
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