Pink streak vs 6 line, differences

[sfsuphysics]

From reading up the pink streaked wrasse seems to be one of the more docile types of wrasses and can play well with other peaceful fish without bullying behavior. However the 6line is just the opposite (although years ago mine was more than a model citizen).

First question, is that assessment right? Or is the pink streaked/stripped wrasse really a wolf in sheeps clothing?

Second question, how the hell do I tell them apart, I've been studying pictures and they look similar, I don't want to try and count spines in a store as I don't have macro eyeballs. About the only thing I've seen different is the 6 line has a couple stripes that go through it's eye, where as the pink has a single round eye with additional markings in it. So is this a good indicator? Or am I only looking at pictures of juvenile fish or something?

 

[eatbreakfast]

The pink streak is every bit as docile as reported.

The pink strak is purple and pink striped with a "spikey" dorsal fin. He has bright orange eyes with no markings in them.

The sixline is blue and orange striped, with a greenish caudal, he also has white lines through his eyes.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Gotcha thanks, yeah I saw the spikey dorsal fins, I didn't know if that was just it flaring when the the camera went off or what.

 

[trackhazard]

Pink streaks are also significantly smaller and quite a bit more cryptic. P. ataenia only gets about 3 inches or so and thats considered big.

P. ataenia is probably one of my favorite fish.

-Charlie

 

[snorvich]

P. ataenia is a wonderful fish with good temperament. Highly recommended.

 

[trackhazard]

<iframe width="700" height="394" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/O9R0SDIvy14" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Vid of the P. ataenia in my old setup. You can see him at the bottom under the anemone. Clowns are approx 3" or so for scale.

The wrasse is in my wife's 150 gallon now. Its gotten much fatter but not significantly longer.

-Charlie

 

[sfsuphysics]

ha, tiny little bugger. Presumably they are good for pest control in the reef tank as well. What were those orange fish with the blue eyes? female anthias of some sort?

 

[trackhazard]

Female lyretail anthias that were in there temporarily.

They are small and with their big orange/pink eyes they look pretty comical.

-Charlie