Six-lined wrasse

The six-line wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) is a slim, restless Indo-Pacific reef fish marked with six orange-red stripes running the length of a violet body, with a small pale-rimmed spot near the tail. It rarely sits still, working through rockwork and coral branches in short darting hops. Adults stay small, and the colour is intense enough that one fish reads clearly across a display.

Aquarium care

• Hunts small motile prey, and is often kept for its interest in flatworms and pyramidellid snails. Treat that as a bonus rather than a reliable control method.
• Turns aggressive in small or sparsely decorated tanks, and commonly harasses fish added after it.
• Needs abundant live rock with tunnels and overhangs; it sleeps wedged into the rock.
• Takes frozen mysis, brine, chopped seafood and quality pellets readily.
• A capable jumper, so a lid or mesh screen is sensible.
• Best introduced last, once quieter fish have settled in.

Suited to an established reef with room and structure, alongside fish that can hold their own: tangs, larger clownfish, dwarf angels and robust gobies. It is a poor match for small tanks, timid dartfish, or ornamental shrimp small enough to interest it. Availability changes week to week; local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See what else is in saltwater fish.