Wrasses · Labridae
Care levelIntermediate
Six-Line Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
An active reef fish with six fine horizontal stripes. It weaves through rockwork searching for small prey, but its bold temperament deserves careful planning.
Feeding is usually straightforward; temperament is the main planning challenge.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
60+ galRecommended tank
4 inchesAdult size
Semi-aggressive; can become territorialTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Colorful, active swimmer.
- Generally leaves corals alone.
- Forages for small organisms among the rockwork.
! Things to consider
- Can bully shy fish and other wrasses.
- A secure lid is important because it can jump.
- May eat small ornamental crustaceans.
- Do not rely on it as a guaranteed pest-control solution.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 60 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 4 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Allow active swimming through complex rockwork with escape routes for other fish.
- Tank maturity
-
3 months recommended
Established, stable aquarium with live rock. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential. - Habitat and equipment
- A secure lid, rock crevices and generous hiding places.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive; can become territorial
- Why this care level
- Feeding is usually straightforward; temperament is the main planning challenge.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Robust, appropriately sized community fish; shy fish and other wrasses may be harassed.
- Alone, pair or group
- Usually one; do not assume a pair or group will be tolerated.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally coral safe. - Shrimp safety
-
With caution
Caution: small ornamental crustaceans may be eaten. - Snail safety
-
With caution
May prey on very small snails and other tiny animals. - Clam safety
-
Generally compatible
Usually compatible, but not a guaranteed pest-control solution.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Carnivore; small meaty marine foods
- Feeding plan
- Offer varied small meaty marine foods; natural foraging is not the full feeding plan.
- Prepared or live food
- Suitable small frozen foods and accepted pellets.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72-78 F (22-26 C); keep temperature stable.
- Specific gravity
- 1.020-1.025 specific gravity in the species care guidance; also meet your corals' needs.
- pH
- 8.1-8.4, with stable daily conditions.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- A reliable typical captive lifespan is not established in the linked references. Plan for several years of care.
- Growth and future planning
- Plan for adult territorial behavior, not just its roughly 3-4 inch size.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Plan the stocking order carefully: this small wrasse can become a persistent bully.
- Buying checklist
- Ask to see it eat; check its condition and plan quarantine.
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