Eight-Line WrassePseudocheilinus octotaenia

About the Eight-Line Wrasse

Eight-line wrasse is the larger more aggressive cousin of the six-line wrasse — same striped body pattern but bigger (5") and significantly more territorial. Excellent biological control for pyramidellid snails, small flatworms, and bristleworms. Reef-safe with corals but aggressive toward most small fish.

Native range: Indo-Pacific. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs — approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade. The Eight-Line Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Pseudocheilinus grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.

Tank requirements and aquascape

Tank size: 50 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) — 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Lid: tight-fitting, gap-free. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies — a single 1cm gap is enough.

Flow: moderate to moderately strong is preferred by most wrasses — they evolved on current-swept reefs. Lighting: standard reef LED works for all wrasses; the fish itself does not require special spectrum.

Diet and feeding

Carnivore — mysis, brine, pellets, picks pests. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss — schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.

Compatible tank mates

Safe: Fish 3"+ that tolerate harassment.

Avoid: Small timid fish, other Pseudocheilinus, anything that will be intimidated.

Breeding

Not captive bred. Most wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites — born female, transition to male as they reach social dominance in a group. Tank breeding of wrasses is rare due to the complex behaviors and pelagic egg-laying that resists captive replication.

Common problems and solutions

Aggression toward smaller tank mates; jumping.

Frequently asked questions

Eight-line vs six-line wrasse — which is more aggressive?

Eight-line is larger (5" vs 3") and significantly more aggressive. Don't mix them.

Is eight-line wrasse reef safe?

Coral-safe; will eat small inverts.

How big do eight-line wrasses get?

About 5 inches at maturity.

How much do eight-line wrasses cost?

$60-130 in US trade.

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