Four-Line Wrasse

The Four-Line Wrasse is the smallest and arguably the most secretive member of the Pseudocheilinus genus of lined wrasses kept in the aquarium hobby. Growing to only 3 inches, this diminutive species features four distinct horizontal orange to pinkish-red lines running across a vibrant blue to purple body. Its eyes are adorned with the characteristic blue-ringed pattern shared by all Pseudocheilinus species, and its small size combined with its vivid coloration make it a jewel-like presence in the reef aquarium.

In the wild, Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia is found across the Indo-Pacific, with a range extending from Indonesia and the Central Pacific to Hawaii. It inhabits the outer edges of coral reefs, drop-offs, and areas of dense coral growth at depths of 10 to 40 meters, where it typically stays deep within the reef structure, darting between coral branches and crevices to pick off tiny crustaceans and zooplankton. It is generally found at somewhat greater depths than its six-line and eight-line relatives.

In the aquarium, the Four-Line Wrasse is a moderately hardy species that is completely reef-safe and effective at controlling small pests. Its secretive nature means it spends much of its time hidden within the rockwork, occasionally emerging to forage and patrol its territory. While it can become territorial toward similarly sized or shaped fish, it is generally the least aggressive of the commonly kept Pseudocheilinus wrasses. A well-aquascaped tank of 30 gallons or more with abundant hiding places provides the ideal environment for this species to display its natural behaviors.