Sixline wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia · Labridae
Also known as Sixstripe wrasse
Beginner
A busy little pest-hunter that eats flatworms and pyramid snails; can turn nippy with age.
In short: A sixline wrasse needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 8 cm (3.1 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Hunts tiny shrimp and flatworms; safe with adult cleaners.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Aggression
- Increasingly bossy with age in small tanks.
- Feeding
- Once or twice daily.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 4–10 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — mysis, pellets, plus reef micro-fauna.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Dense rockwork and coral thickets
- Natural conditions
- Plenty of rock, moderate flow.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- ClownfishTangsCardinalfish
- Avoid
- Other small wrassesFirefish in small tanks
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Males are slightly larger and brighter.
- Notes
- Not bred at home.
- Common ailments
- Marine ich
Will it fit your tank?
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