IntermediateSemi-AggressiveReef Safe

Divided Wrasse

Pseudocheilinus evanidus

Family: Labridae · Wrasses

Also known as: Striated Wrasse, Scarlet Pin-Stripe Wrasse, Disappearing Wrasse

Max Size

Min Tank

30 gal

Lifespan

4-6 years

Origin

Western Pacific, Indo-Pacific

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Middle

About

The Divided Wrasse is a small, secretive species closely related to the popular Six Line and Mystery Wrasses. It features a distinctive red to pink body with fine white or light-colored horizontal stripes that create a divided or striated appearance. This is one of the rarer Pseudocheilinus species in the aquarium trade, making it a prized find for wrasse enthusiasts.

Despite its small size of only about 3 inches, the Divided Wrasse shares the semi-aggressive temperament common to the Pseudocheilinus genus. It can be territorial toward other small wrasses and similarly shaped fish, particularly in smaller aquariums. However, it is an effective pest controller that actively hunts flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and other nuisance invertebrates in the reef aquarium.

The Divided Wrasse is reef safe and will not harm corals or larger invertebrates. It tends to spend much of its time weaving through rockwork, occasionally darting out to grab passing food items. Unlike many wrasses, this species does not typically bury itself in sand, instead retreating into crevices in the rock structure at night. Its small size makes it suitable for nano reef aquariums of 30 gallons or more.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

The Divided Wrasse feeds on small invertebrates, zooplankton, and tiny crustaceans in the wild. In captivity, it accepts frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely chopped seafood. It will also consume high-quality marine pellets. This species actively hunts aquarium pests including flatworms and pyramidellid snails. Feed two to three times daily with small portions.

Compatibility

reef-safesemi-aggressivepest-controllernano-compatible

The Divided Wrasse can be semi-aggressive toward other small wrasses and similar-shaped fish, especially in smaller tanks. It may harass newly added small fish. Best kept as the only Pseudocheilinus species in tanks under 75 gallons. Compatible with most other reef fish that are not direct competitors for territory in the rockwork.

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Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Divided Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites. Spawning occurs in the water column. Captive breeding has not been achieved for this species. All specimens are wild-caught and relatively rare in the trade.