Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
| See Talk:Pseudocheilinus hexataenia for individual experiences with this species, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia. Feel free to add your own personal experiences. |
| Common Name | |
| Sixline Wrasse | |
| Binomial Name | |
| Pseudocheilinus hexataenia | |
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| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Labridae |
| Genus: | Pseudocheilinus |
| Species: | hexataenia |
Common Names
- Sixline Wrasse
Characteristics
Description
As the name suggests, a Sixline wrasse has six horizontal lines running from head to tail. Sixline wrasse' are among the most colourful fish in the aquarium trade, with each individual having a unique blend of multiple colours, including red, orange, green, blue, yellow etc. They are a traditional wrasse shape, but quite small in lengh, with a maximum size of 8-10cm.
Similar Species
A similar species, from the same genus, is the Fourline wrasse, Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia.
Maximum Size
Sixline wrasse have a maximum length of 8 to 10cm.
Associated Organisms
None.
Behaviour
Sixline wrasse are extemely active, constantly searching for food thoughout the aquariums strucutes. Some tend to be quite aggresive towards newly introduced fish, especially fish of the same body shape. For this reason, making a sixline wrasse the final addition to your fish tank could remove potential aggresion. Fish of significantly different body shape (e.g. clownfish, cardinalfish, hawkfish etc.) do not attract any aggression from sixlines.
Captive Care
Tank Size
A tank size of 100L and above would be ideal for a sixline wrasse, providing plenty of free water for swimming, along with rock and structure for exploration, sleeping etc.
Water Flow
Water flow doesnt seem to bother a sixline. Being very agile, they will adapt and swim through strong currents.
Lighting
No significant lighting requirements.
Feeding
Sixlines are rarely picky, taking flake, pellets, and any type of live or frozen food (inc. brine, bloodworm, and mysis).
Growth Rate
Under good conditions, sixline can grow quite aggresively, but due to their smaller maximum size, growth rate is rarely of concern.
Diseases
Hardy. No dought succeptable to most diseases that infleunce other tropical species. Kept in good condition, they will remain generally un-affected.
Other
Potentially make a sixline your last addition, which could reduce aggression significantly.
Gallery
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Sixline Wrasse vs. Mirror: A great way to deal with aggressive fish when adding new tank mates!
Compatability
Fish
Can be aggressive with conspecifics, if not in a large enough aquarium to "escape" the other. Can also become aggressive with age. If pairing, try two specimens of significantly different size.
Coral
Seems compatible with most coral, although individual cases may apply.
Invertebrate
Feeds on small invertebrates, and may therefore attempt to take any shrimp.
Reproduction
Spawning in the aquarium has been acheived. Raising fry is difficult. See MOFIB for compiled reports/attempts. A relatively tall aquarium is needed or the spawning ritual.
Local Ecology
Distribution
The sixline wrasse can be found in and around reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific (to depths of 35m)
Habitat
The sixline wrasse is commonly found in the reef zone, in and among coral branches.
Additional Information
Pricing
Newcastle, Australia - Seen 1 time, $30 Adelaide, Australia - Seen frequently, $35-55
