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Six-stripe wrasse is functionally the same species as six-line (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) but sometimes sold under the alternate trade name. Same behavior, same care, same aggression profile. Useful biological control for small pests.
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-Stripe 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 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. 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: Reef-safe community.
Avoid: Other six-stripe/six-line specimens.
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.
Same as six-line.
Six-stripe wrasse is functionally the same species as six-line (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) but sometimes sold under the alternate trade name. Same behavior, same care, same aggression profile. Useful biological control for small pests. 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-Stripe Wrasse needs a tank of at least 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. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
The Six-Stripe Wrasse is rated beginner difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 30 gallons, a temperature of 74-82°F and salinity of 1.024-1.026. Adults reach about 3.5" and live 5-8 years. Six-stripe wrasse is functionally the same species as six-line (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) but sometimes sold under the alternate trade name.
Carnivore - mysis, brine, copepods. 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. Keeper note: Verify with retailer whether you are buying six-line or true six-stripe - trade names overlap.
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