💜 Six Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)

The Six Line Wrasse is a small, hardy, and vibrantly colored fish popular for its pest-control abilities. This active wrasse hunts flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and small bristleworms, making it a functional addition to reef tanks. However, its feisty personality requires careful consideration of tankmates.

📋 Quick Facts

✅ Benefits

• Pest control - Eats flatworms, pyramidellid snails, bristleworms
• Hardy - Adapts well to aquarium life
• Beautiful coloration - Six horizontal purple/blue lines
• Active swimmer - Always visible and entertaining
• Small size - Suitable for medium tanks
• Reef safe - Won't harm corals

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum
• Aquascape: Plenty of rockwork with caves and crevices
• Hiding spots: Essential for sleeping and security
• Lid: Can jump - secure top required

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Six Line Wrasses are carnivores that hunt small invertebrates and accept prepared foods readily.

Primary Diet

• Frozen mysis shrimp - Staple food
• Frozen brine shrimp - Enriched
• Quality pellets - Small carnivore formulas
• Frozen preparations - LRS, Rod's Food

Natural Prey (Pest Control)

• Flatworms - Will actively hunt
• Pyramidellid snails - Clam parasites
• Small bristleworms
• Copepods and amphipods

Feeding Schedule

• Feed 2-3 times daily
• Small amounts each feeding
• Active hunters - will supplement with tank fauna

🐟 Compatibility

⚠️ Temperament Warning

Six Lines have a reputation for becoming territorial bullies, especially:

• In smaller tanks
• When established before other fish
• Toward similar-sized or shaped fish
• As they mature

Generally Compatible

• Larger tangs
• Clownfish (established first)
• Larger wrasses
• Larger angels
• Fish that can hold their own

Use Caution

• Other small wrasses - May harass
• Firefish - Common target
• Small gobies - May bully
• Timid fish - Can intimidate
• New additions - Established Six Lines can terrorize newcomers

Avoid

• Multiple Six Line Wrasses (unless very large tank)
• Adding after tank is fully stocked
• Small, peaceful fish added after the Six Line

💡 Reducing Aggression

• Add Six Line LAST - After other fish established
• Larger tanks help - More territory reduces conflict
• Plenty of hiding spots - Breaks line of sight
• Well-fed fish - Less likely to be aggressive
• Choose robust tankmates - Avoid timid species

🦐 Invertebrate Compatibility

• Corals: Safe
• Large shrimp: Usually safe
• Small shrimp: May eat sexy shrimp, small peppermints
• Snails: Safe (beneficial - eats pest snails)
• Feather dusters: May nip occasionally

⚠️ Health Considerations

• Generally very hardy
• Resistant to ich
• Quarantine still recommended
• Watch for jumping - secure lid essential

💡 Tips for Success

• Add to tank LAST to minimize aggression
• Keep lid secure - notorious jumpers
• Excellent if you have flatworm issues
• Don't keep with delicate, timid fish
• Will hide in rocks at night - normal behavior
• One per tank unless 100+ gallons

📚 Summary

The Six Line Wrasse is a beautiful, hardy fish that earns its keep through pest control. Its aggression toward smaller tankmates is well-documented, so adding it last to a tank with robust species is essential. In the right setup, it's a colorful, active, and beneficial addition. In the wrong setup, it can terrorize timid tankmates. Plan accordingly, and this little wrasse can be a valuable member of your reef community.