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Six Line Wrasse

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia

Family: Labridae · Wrasses

Also known as: Sixline Wrasse, Six-Stripe Wrasse

Max Size

Min Tank

30 gal

Lifespan

4-6 years

Origin

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Middle

About

The Six Line Wrasse is a small, active, and brilliantly colored wrasse species that has become a staple of the marine aquarium hobby. Its slender body features six distinctive horizontal orange lines separated by vibrant purple-blue bands, with a small false eyespot (ocellus) on the caudal peduncle. Growing to only 3 inches in length, this diminutive wrasse packs tremendous color into a small package and is well-suited to aquariums of 30 gallons or larger.

One of the primary reasons aquarists seek out the Six Line Wrasse is its reputation as an effective pest controller. This species actively hunts and consumes small bristleworms, flatworms (including the dreaded Acropora-eating flatworms), pyramidellid snails, and other small invertebrate pests that can plague reef aquariums. Their constant foraging behavior keeps pest populations in check naturally, reducing the need for chemical treatments.

While generally considered hardy and beginner-friendly, the Six Line Wrasse does have a notable personality quirk: it can become increasingly territorial and aggressive as it matures, particularly in smaller tanks. This aggression is typically directed at newly introduced fish, other wrasses, and small, timid species. To minimize this behavior, the Six Line Wrasse should ideally be one of the last fish added to the aquarium. Despite this potential for territorial behavior, they remain an excellent choice for reef aquariums due to their pest-control abilities, disease resistance, and stunning coloration.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

Six Line Wrasses are carnivores that feed on small invertebrates and zooplankton. In the aquarium, offer a variety of frozen foods including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely chopped seafood. They will also accept high-quality marine pellets and flake foods. Their natural foraging behavior supplements their diet with small bristleworms and copepods from live rock. Feed two to three times daily.

Compatibility

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The Six Line Wrasse can become territorial, especially toward newly introduced fish, other wrasses, and timid species like firefish or dartfish. It does best when added last to the aquarium. In larger tanks with abundant rockwork, aggression is typically reduced. Generally compatible with clownfish, tangs, angels, and other robust community fish. Avoid keeping multiple Six Line Wrasses unless in very large systems.

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Breeding

Very Difficult

Six Line Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, with the dominant individual in a group becoming male. They spawn at dusk, releasing pelagic eggs into the water column. Captive breeding has been achieved by a few dedicated breeders, but the tiny pelagic larvae are challenging to rear and require specialized live food cultures. Captive-bred specimens are not widely available.