Pseudocheilinus hexataenia Six line wrasse
Easily one of the more popular reef safe fishes, this attractive species reaches about 3 inches and is very active. The six line wrasse is purple with orange lines which run horizontally down its body. It has a false eye on its tail with a white dot. A fascinating characteristic of this fish are its eyes, and their movement. The eyes have two lines that run parallel above and below the pupil and as the eye moves, these lines give great contrast to the rest of its body.
The six line wrasse does best in a tank with plenty of rockwork, as it loves to dart in and out. It will also feed off the rockwork. Therefore, a reef tank is normally the best environment for this fish. Although active, it must have its hiding places to acclimate properly.
At feeding time, the six line wrasse should be offered meaty foods, and due to its active nature it should be fed twice a day. In mature tanks with productive rockwork, once a day feedings will probably suffice. According to Scott Michael, it will also feed on pyramidellid snails and commensal flatworms. The wrasse will also prey on smaller ornamental shrimps.
While these are "community" fish, they may harass more peaceful inhabitants of the tank. More than one six line wrasse can be kept in the same tank, providing the tank is large enough and enough hiding places exist for each specimen.
Six line wrasses are relatively inexpensive, usually under $20 mail order, and a few dollars more at LFS.
Easily one of the more popular reef safe fishes, this attractive species reaches about 3 inches and is very active. The six line wrasse is purple with orange lines which run horizontally down its body. It has a false eye on its tail with a white dot. A fascinating characteristic of this fish are its eyes, and their movement. The eyes have two lines that run parallel above and below the pupil and as the eye moves, these lines give great contrast to the rest of its body.
The six line wrasse does best in a tank with plenty of rockwork, as it loves to dart in and out. It will also feed off the rockwork. Therefore, a reef tank is normally the best environment for this fish. Although active, it must have its hiding places to acclimate properly.
At feeding time, the six line wrasse should be offered meaty foods, and due to its active nature it should be fed twice a day. In mature tanks with productive rockwork, once a day feedings will probably suffice. According to Scott Michael, it will also feed on pyramidellid snails and commensal flatworms. The wrasse will also prey on smaller ornamental shrimps.
While these are "community" fish, they may harass more peaceful inhabitants of the tank. More than one six line wrasse can be kept in the same tank, providing the tank is large enough and enough hiding places exist for each specimen.
Six line wrasses are relatively inexpensive, usually under $20 mail order, and a few dollars more at LFS.
