Six-Line Wrasse

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia

A tiny, restless pest-control expert that hunts flatworms – and occasionally bullies shy newcomers.

A semi-aggressive saltwater fish that grows to 8 cm, lives in the middle of the tank and needs 24–28 °C, pH 8.0–8.4 and an aquarium of at least 80 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Saltwater

Temperature

24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

pH

8.0–8.4

Adult size

8 cm (3.1 in)

Aquarium

80 L or bigger (21 US gal)

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Group size

Fine on its own

Swims

Middle

Diet

Carnivore

Wild home

Indo-Pacific reefs

Good to know

• Eats invertebrates. Hunts shrimp, snails and crabs.

Tank mates

Good company: Banggai Cardinalfish, Firefish Goby, Flame Hawkfish, Golden Dwarf Moray, Green Chromis, Mandarin Dragonet, Neon Goby, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Psychedelic Frogfish, Yellow Watchman Goby.

Will eat: Blue-Leg Hermit Crab, Harlequin Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp.

Eaten by: Clown Triggerfish, Lantern Anglerfish, Lionfish, Snowflake Moray.

Attacked by: Clown Triggerfish.

Eats the newborn fry of: Banggai Cardinalfish, Green Chromis, Neon Goby, Ocellaris Clownfish, Royal Gramma, Seahorse, Yellowtail Damselfish.

Colours

• Classic uncommon

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.