Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Six Line Wrasse, also known as the Sixstripe Wrasse, has a wide distribution across reefs in the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific, and the Coral Sea of Australia. Here, they are seen alone and typically keep to themselves as they hunt for small crustaceans. The Six line wrasse catches the eye of any onlooker, as it actively darts amongst corals and live rock outcroppings. The body shape, coloration and pattern of a Six line wrasse is unmistakable with the other species in the genus. The Six line wrasse has six horizontal pinkish-orange stripes separated by blue stripes, two white stripes through the eyes and a green caudal (tail) fin. Somewhat cryptic in nature, it is not unusual for your newly introduced Six line wrasse to lurk among the live rock until it becomes more comfortable with its surroundings. Six line wrasses have been observed to prey on nuisance red Planaria flatworms and pyramidellid snails that sometimes hitch hike on corals or live rock. However, do not rely on this wrasse to solve such problems; wrasses in the Halichoeres genus are a better alternative. An adult Six line wrasse can reach a size of approximately 3″. While this small adult size makes this species very manageable, do not underestimate its potential to have a big attitude if kept in an incorrect environment (see ‘Care Requirements’ below).

Diet Requirements: Six line wrasses are carnivores, actively hunting tiny crustaceans (e.g., copepods, amphiopods) throughout the day. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as spirulina brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, squid, clams and other mixed frozen foods will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as wrasses have high metabolisms. Six line wrasses will also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety. This wrasse has also been observed to eat small bristleworms.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Six line wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Six line wrasses require a variety of rock work and crevices to hide in, swim through and around. If the aquarium is void of adequate hiding places, a Six line wrasse can act aggressively toward tank mates in an act to defend such spots. Generally peaceful, a Six line wrasse can be a tricky addition in certain circumstances. First, a Six line wrasse may bully more peaceful and timid wrasse species. If you plan to house several different wrasses, we advise to add a Six line wrasse as the last one to avoid this. Second, an established Six line wrasse may bully other docile or easily-intimidated species added after it, especially if the environment does not meet the criteria for a Six line wrasse or if the wrasse is inadequately fed. Our general recommendation for a Six line wrasse is that it makes a great addition to most fish only with live rock and reef aquariums as a near-last or last addition fish to avoid potential conflicts. Only one Six line wrasse should be kept per aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2″ to 1-3/4″; Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”; Large: 2-1/2″ or larger.

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.