Fish

beginner

Six-line wrasse

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia

Quick reference

Min tank size

30 US gal

30 gal — small but active swimmer; in smaller tanks aggression becomes unmanageable.

Min tank length

30 in

Length matters more than gallons for active swimmers.

Temperature

75–82 °F

Salinity

1.024–1.026 SG

pH

8.1–8.4

Feeding

Will eat anything offered. Pellet, frozen, mysis. Hunts micro-pests between feedings.

Compatibility

Add LAST to the stocking order. Established six-lines will harass new fish. Will pick at pods, harm refugium populations over time.

What kills it

Carpeting anemones (caught and eaten). Jumps from open-top tanks — keep a lid.

Common mistakes

  • Adding before other fish — six-line claims the tank and bullies later additions.
  • Buying for pest control then expecting peaceful coexistence with other small fish.
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Equipment & food for this species

Frozen PE Mysis is the staple. TDO pellets for daily feedings. Selcon-soaked food prevents HLLE in herbivores.

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Last reviewed