Eight-Line Wrasse

The Eight-Line Wrasse is a small, secretive, and beautifully patterned wrasse in the same genus as the widely popular Six Line Wrasse. As its name suggests, this species features eight horizontal orange to reddish-orange lines running along a vibrant pinkish-purple body, giving it an even more intricately striped appearance than its six-lined cousin. A small ocellus (false eyespot) is present on the caudal peduncle, and the eyes feature the characteristic blue-rimmed Pseudocheilinus pattern that is particularly striking under reef lighting.

In the wild, Pseudocheilinus octotaenia is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. It inhabits coral-rich reef slopes and drop-offs at depths of 2 to 40 meters, typically staying close to the cover of dense coral branches, overhangs, and crevices. It is a more secretive and reclusive species than the Six Line Wrasse, spending much of its time peering out from within the reef structure and making brief sorties to pick off tiny invertebrate prey.

In the aquarium, the Eight-Line Wrasse is a hardy and disease-resistant species that makes an excellent reef-safe addition to tanks of 30 gallons or larger. Like its close relative, it is an effective pest controller, actively hunting and consuming flatworms, bristleworms, pyramidellid snails, and other nuisance invertebrates. While it can become territorial as it matures, particularly toward newly introduced fish and other small wrasses, it is generally less aggressive than the Six Line Wrasse. Its somewhat secretive nature means it appreciates ample rockwork with caves and overhangs.