Six-Line Wrasse — Pseudocheilinus hexataenia

Six-Line Wrasse — Small fish, strong personality

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia brings vivid stripes, a green tail and constant movement to a reef aquarium. It threads through rockwork searching for tiny prey, making it an engaging fish to watch throughout the day.

François Neo’s advice

My recommendation: choose this fish around your stocking plan. Its small size can hide a surprisingly strong territorial streak. If you want a community of peaceful fairy wrasses, leopard wrasses or timid fish, discuss compatibility with us before adding a Six-Line. Introduce it late in a carefully planned stocking sequence and have a way to separate fish if aggression develops.

Care at a glance

• Scientific name: Pseudocheilinus hexataenia.
• Typical adult size: Around 3 inches (7.5 cm), with larger individuals possible.
• Our community aquarium recommendation: 60 US gallons or larger, with generous rockwork, hiding places and broken sightlines. Space alone does not guarantee compatibility.
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; can harass peaceful wrasses and easily intimidated tankmates.
• Reef compatibility: Generally suitable with corals; tiny invertebrates are natural prey.
• Diet: Carnivore; offer small marine meaty foods and suitable prepared foods once accepted.
• Stocking: One Six-Line per aquarium is the practical default; avoid casual pairing.
• Cover: Use a secure lid and protect gaps around equipment.

Feeding & natural foraging

Provide small, regular meals of mysis, finely sized marine seafood and a varied frozen diet. Many specimens accept pellets or flakes. Natural hunting in the rockwork supplements feeding; it should not replace it.

Some individuals eat small worms, snails or flatworms, but pest control is never guaranteed. Choose the fish for its long-term compatibility with your aquarium.

Size & appearance

Select S, M or L. Size grades vary by supplier; contact us for current measurements. Photos illustrate the species, and each order is for one fish unless otherwise stated.

Explore our Wrasses, browse Marine Fish, or ask François Neo about your stocking plan.