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Six-line wrasse is one of the most popular small wrasses in the hobby — orange/red body with six vivid blue/green horizontal stripes. Reef-safe and natural predator of small flatworms and pyramidellid snails (Tridacna clam pests). Aggressive toward other small wrasses — keep as a single specimen in mixed-wrasse tanks under 100 gallons.
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 Six-Line Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Hexataenia grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.
Tank size: 30 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.
Carnivore — mysis, brine, copepods, pellets, will pick at parasites. 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.
Safe: Most reef-safe fish 3"+ that can tolerate occasional harassment.
Avoid: Other six-lines; small timid wrasses; very shy fish.
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.
Aggression toward newer additions; nipping at fairy wrasse fins.
Yes — semi-aggressive territorial. They harass other small wrasses and timid community fish.
Yes — six-lines are well-known biological control for small red flatworms (Convolutriloba). Limited effect on larger flatworm species.
Generally no in tanks under 180 gallons — they will fight intensely.
About 3 inches at maturity.
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