The six-line
wrasse or Pseudocheilinus
hexataenia
belongs to the
family Laridae. This is a large and rather diverse family containing
over 500
species in 60 different genera. The six-line wrasse is native to the
central
and western Indo-Pacific with large concentrations found off the coast
of Fiji
and the northern part of the Great
Barrier Reef. They
inhabit clear coastal to outer reef waters at depths up to 60 feet.
The name
six-lined wrasse
is purely descriptive. These fish have six neon orange
lines running the length of their upper bodies. This horizontal
striping is a
striking contrast against their bluish purple body color. Their caudal
fins are
yellow with blue veining and an ocellus (false eye) meant to confuse
predators located
on the upper part of its base. The most distinguishing feature of these
fish is
their intense red eyes. Two white lines run diagonally through their
eyes; one
above and the second just below the pupil. This species is also
marketed under
the names six-stripe and pyjama wrasse by the aquarium trade. These are
relatively small fish only reaching an adult size of approximately 3
inches.
This is an
extremely
active, exceptionally quick species. They will dart in
and out of hiding places faster than just about any other fish you
could have
in your aquarium. They are diurnal foragers. In their natural habitat
they
spend the majority of their day scrounging around reef formations in
search of
food. In the evening they sleep in a mucus cocoon. It is believed that
this cocoon
forms a protective barrier against nocturnal predation; acting to mask
its
scent from potential predators.
These make good
community
tank fish. They are considered mildly aggressive
and will bully smaller more timid species.
Multiples can be kept
together
without any worry of territorial disputes. They may however demonstrate
aggressive behavior toward other wrasse species. Six-lines
can make suitable additions to a
marine reef tank depending on the general population. They will not
harm corals
or other anchored species. They may eat smaller crustaceans on
occasion.
Wrasses are
carnivorous.
In nature their diet consists largely of minuscule
creatures living on corals, other fish and rock formations. You will
want to
have an adequate supply of well established living rock. They provide
beneficial services for the fellow inhabitants of their tank. They will
eat the
pyramidellid snails which commonly infest clam populations. They will
eat the
unwanted commensal flatworms off of your corals. They will
also remove pests such as
bristleworms from living rock. Once they are confident in their
surroundings
they will take an active role as a cleaner fish removing parasitic
isopods and
copepods from the bodies and fins of their tank mates. Their foraging
efforts
should be supplemented with meat-based food products. They may also be
fed
finely chopped seafood such as shrimp, crab, and squid.
Six-line wrasses are
protogynous hermaphrodites. They are
born as females. If you introduce a group of juveniles in an aquarium
together
the larges most dominant member of the group will transform into a
male. You
will end up with a male who will tend to his harem. This change in
gender can
be accomplished in as little as 10 days. These fish are not known to
breed in
captivity.
