Six Line Wrasse: Fast, Colorful, and Full of Energy

A Lively Burst of Reef Color

If there’s one fish that can instantly bring motion, spark, and personality to a saltwater aquarium, it’s the Six Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia). This small, streamlined reef dweller never stops moving. It darts through rock crevices, glides around coral heads, and occasionally pauses mid-water with a little flick of its tail—almost as if it’s challenging you to a staring contest. Then, in a flash, it’s gone again. That’s the Six Line—quick, curious, and bursting with life.

FISH PROFILE
Fish	Six Line Wrasse
Binomial Name	Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Actinopterygii
Order	Labriformes
Family	Labridae
Subfamily	N/A
Genus	Pseudocheilinus
Species	hexataenia
Varieties	N/A
ENVIRONMENT
Living Environment	Marine (reef-associated)
Found in	Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to Fiji, northern Australia to Japan
Space Requirement	Minimum 30 gallons; larger for multiple males
Average Lifespan	5–7 years
Exceptional Cases	Up to 10 years in well-maintained reef tanks
Length	7–10 cm (2.8–4 in)
Weight	N/A
Temperature	24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH	8.1–8.4
PERSONALITY
Temperament	Active, energetic, semi-aggressive toward similar species
Social Behaviour	Best kept singly or in pairs; multiple males may be territorial
Diet	Carnivore
Food Type	Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, live copepods
KEY FACTORS AFFECTING LIFESPAN
Enclosure / Tank size	Requires sufficient hiding spots; overcrowding leads to stress and aggression
Habitat / Water quality	Needs stable reef conditions; sensitive to poor filtration or high nitrates
Diet	Requires varied high-protein diet; starvation possible if underfed
Companions	Generally compatible with other reef fish; avoid small invertebrates and other Six Line Wrasses in small tanks
Temperature / Environment stability	Sensitive to fluctuations; stable temperature and salinity are essential
CARE DIFFICULTY
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Messiness	Low to moderate; regular water changes recommended
Additional Requirements	Live rock for hiding, protein-rich diet, reef-compatible tankmates
Special Notes	Fast-moving and energetic; can jump, so a covered tank is recommended

In the wild, this fish comes from the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific, where it roams coral reefs from the Red Sea to French Polynesia. It spends its days combing live rock for tiny crustaceans and worms, keeping the reef clean while staying alert to predators. That instinctive busyness never fades in captivity. In your tank, it becomes both entertainer and hunter, constantly exploring, occasionally showing off, and sometimes asserting itself with more confidence than its size might suggest.

What makes the Six Line Wrasse so appealing isn’t just its speed or color—it’s the balance it strikes. It’s a fish that thrives in an active reef setup, coexisting with others while keeping nuisances like flatworms or small pests under control. Hobbyists often mention how it becomes a kind of “guardian of the reef,” patrolling every inch of rockwork like it owns the place. And honestly, that’s part of its charm.

The colors are something else entirely. Those six bold horizontal lines of blue and orange shimmer when the light hits just right, and the greenish face often flashes with hints of purple or red. Under good lighting—especially LEDs—the hues almost vibrate, making the fish look painted rather than scaled. Few species can rival its natural radiance, though the Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus) or Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) might come close in color complexity.

Every reef keeper I know has a Six Line story. Some talk about how theirs was the perfect little reef helper, zipping between corals like a tiny superhero. Others warn about its fiery temperament once it gets too comfortable. But that’s the thing with this fish—it’s got a spark. It feels alive in a way that’s hard to describe until you’ve seen one move. The tank feels different with a Six Line inside it, like the energy shifts up a gear.

Keeping one isn’t just about adding color; it’s about adding personality. When you sit back and watch, you’ll notice how it interacts with everything—the shrimp, the rocks, even its reflection on the glass. You’ll see moments of calm curiosity followed by bursts of energy, a constant rhythm that makes your reef feel alive.

The Six Line Wrasse isn’t a background fish—it’s a character. A bright, busy, bold streak of life that pulls your attention every time it zips past. And once you’ve had one, you’ll realize your reef doesn’t feel quite the same without it.

Appearance and Personality – The Flash That Never Stops Moving

The Six Line Wrasse is small, but don’t let its size fool you. Measuring around 7–10 centimeters (3–4 inches) as an adult, it carries a presence that fills a reef tank with energy. Its body is slender, torpedo-shaped, and built for speed, which is exactly how it moves—quick dashes, sudden stops, and graceful pivots as it zips through rock crevices. You’ll rarely see it lingering in one spot for long.

Brilliant Stripes and Vibrant Colors

True to its name, the Six Line Wrasse sports six distinct horizontal stripes along its body. These lines are typically bright blue or turquoise, set against a reddish-orange base that sometimes darkens near the tail. The head and face often have hints of green and purple, adding to the kaleidoscope effect. Under strong reef lighting, its colors practically shimmer, giving the impression of a tiny jewel constantly in motion.

Its dorsal fin, elongated and often edged in bright orange, adds flair when it spreads during displays or sudden bursts of speed. Even the pectoral and caudal fins seem almost translucent in parts, accentuating its lithe and fluid movements. Compared to other colorful reef residents, like the Royal Gramma or the Clownfish, the Six Line Wrasse combines both striking coloration and non-stop motion, making it doubly captivating.

A Personality Larger Than Its Size

Personality is where the Six Line Wrasse truly shines. It’s fearless—or sometimes audacious—toward other small fish, yet shows a mischievous intelligence. Watch closely and you’ll see it investigating tiny crevices, nudging shrimp or snails, and occasionally chasing off pests like flatworms or Aiptasia. It’s territorial, yes, but in a way that feels purposeful rather than chaotic.

• Always on the move: Rarely stationary, it patrols the same rockwork repeatedly.
• Curious and investigative: It inspects every nook and cranny, often returning to the same favorite hiding spots.
• Assertive yet manageable: While it can chase smaller fish, it rarely harms tankmates larger than itself.

Interestingly, Six Line Wrasses develop personalities unique to their environment. In a tank with plenty of hiding spots, they may be bolder, frequently popping into view. In a sparsely decorated tank, they might retreat more often, skimming along the rocks and popping out only when they feel safe.

Behavioral Quirks That Keep You Watching

One of the most charming quirks of this wrasse is how it interacts with other reef dwellers. You might catch it darting after a shrimp that wanders too far, or investigating the tail of a sleepy Goby. It’s part guardian, part busybody, and entirely captivating. It also has a playful side—you may notice sudden bursts of speed that seem completely random, almost like it’s doing laps for fun.

Despite its bold colors and energetic personality, the Six Line Wrasse is also observant. It quickly learns where other fish feed, which crevices belong to it, and when the tank lights come on or go off. Some aquarists even report that their Six Lines seem to recognize human caretakers, pausing briefly in mid-swim when approached, almost as if checking you out.

Its combination of beauty and personality is what makes it a standout in any reef. Unlike more docile species, it doesn’t blend into the background—it commands attention without demanding it, a perfect mix of motion and color.

Aquarium Setup – Building a Dynamic Home for a Speedster

Keeping a Six Line Wrasse isn’t just about filling a tank with water and a few rocks—it’s about creating a playground that matches its energy and instincts. This fish is a true athlete of the reef, and if your setup doesn’t allow for quick maneuvers, hiding spots, and exploration, it won’t thrive. Unlike some more sedentary fish, it needs space to patrol, perch, and dart in bursts, making tank design an essential part of successful care.

Tank Size and Layout Essentials

Six Line Wrasses are small, but they move like fish twice their size. A minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters) is recommended for a single adult, though larger is better, especially if you plan to keep multiple wrasses or other active reef species. Vertical height isn’t as critical as horizontal swimming space—they need corridors, rock arches, and open swimming paths to satisfy their constant curiosity.

When designing the layout: 

• Include lots of rockwork: Branching corals, overhangs, and crevices give them hiding spots and patrol routes.
• Leave open swimming lanes: Don’t cram the tank too densely; they need room to accelerate and dart without bumping into obstacles.
• Create vertical layers: A mix of top, middle, and bottom perches encourages natural exploration.

These wrasses also love to interact with the substrate. Fine sand or crushed coral works well since they sometimes hover just above it while scanning for microfauna or small invertebrates. It’s a subtle behavior, but it makes all the difference in creating a natural environment.

Water Parameters and Filtration

A Six Line Wrasse isn’t overly sensitive, but stability is key. Ideal water parameters:

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Strong filtration is essential, not just for water clarity but to maintain healthy microfauna populations that Six Line Wrasses often feed on. Protein skimmers, high-quality powerheads, and careful flow management help keep the tank dynamic and oxygen-rich.

Hiding Spots, Rockwork, and Flow

This species is territorial, and giving it multiple escape routes prevents stress and reduces conflict with tankmates. Think of rock piles with multiple entrances and exits—wrasses will dart in and out, often changing patrol routes several times a day. Live rock also hosts copepods, amphipods, and other microfauna, which are supplemental snacks for your wrasse.

Flow matters too. Six Line Wrasses enjoy moderate water movement that mimics reef currents. They’re strong swimmers, and subtle currents encourage them to move naturally, rather than stagnating in one corner. Too strong a flow can stress them, but gentle undulations make the tank feel alive and give the wrasse its daily workout.

Tankmate Considerations

These wrasses get along with many peaceful to semi-aggressive reef fish, but size and temperament matter. Ideal companions include:

• Clownfish (Amphiprion spp.) – Bright, bold, but generally non-threatening
• Gobies (e.g., Watchman or Neon Goby) – Bottom dwellers with minimal overlap
• Blennies (e.g., Scooter Blenny) – Similar size and energy level

Avoid slow-moving or shy fish that could be stressed by the wrasse’s bursts of activity. Similarly, large predatory fish or very aggressive wrasses can intimidate or injure them.

Real-World Tips from Experienced Keepers

Some hobbyists have learned the hard way that a Six Line Wrasse in a bare, cramped tank is stressed and hides constantly. One success story involves a 55-gallon tank with branching live rock stacked like a miniature maze. The wrasse quickly established patrol routes, explored every crevice, and even began interacting with shrimp and other small tank inhabitants.

Lighting isn’t critical for the wrasse itself, but it enhances color and encourages natural behavior. Bright, reef-style LEDs help the blue and orange stripes pop while subtly warming up the tank environment for the other inhabitants.

In short, keeping a Six Line Wrasse happy is about replicating its natural environment—plenty of room to explore, rocks and crevices to claim, and moderate flow to keep it agile. When done right, the tank becomes a dynamic little reef where this speedy, colorful fish thrives and keeps the ecosystem lively.

Diet and Feeding – Keeping Up with the Wrasse’s Appetite

Feeding a Six Line Wrasse is as much about replicating its natural habits as it is about providing proper nutrition. In the wild, these energetic little hunters spend nearly every waking moment darting around rock crevices and coral branches, foraging for tiny crustaceans, amphipods, and copepods. Their constant movement isn’t just for exercise—it’s for survival. In captivity, recreating this natural rhythm and food availability is essential to keeping them healthy, colorful, and active.

What the Six Line Wrasse Eats in the Wild

In natural reef habitats, Six Line Wrasses are opportunistic predators. Their diet includes:

• Copepods and amphipods, which make up the bulk of their intake.
• Small crustaceans like mysids or tiny shrimp.
• Worms and other tiny benthic invertebrates.

This constant grazing behavior explains why they’re often seen darting across rocks, investigating every crevice. It’s instinctual—they’re hunters first, and everything else second. A tank without enough live microfauna can stress them, causing hiding behavior or even appetite loss.

Feeding in Captivity

Replicating the wrasse’s wild diet requires careful attention. Here’s how to keep them well-fed and thriving:

Staple foods:

• Live or frozen copepods and amphipods
• Brine shrimp (enriched)
• Mysis shrimp
• Small crustacean mixes designed for reef fish

Feeding tips:

• Offer multiple small feedings per day rather than one large meal. Six Line Wrasses graze naturally and appreciate constant access to food.
• Supplement with high-quality frozen or prepared foods to ensure nutritional balance.
• Avoid overfeeding other tankmates at the expense of the wrasse—it can be outcompeted by faster eaters like tangs or wrasses with more aggressive feeding styles.

Encouraging Natural Hunting Behavior

Many aquarists enjoy watching the Six Line Wrasse hunt in the tank, and you can encourage this behavior:

• Maintain live rock with established microfauna populations.
• Scatter tiny portions of frozen food throughout the rockwork to simulate foraging.
• Occasionally feed directly with a pipette or small tongs to mimic prey movement.

This not only satisfies their nutritional needs but keeps them mentally stimulated and reduces the likelihood of stress-related aggression or boredom.

Foods to Avoid

While these wrasses are hardy, they can be picky if introduced to the wrong diet:

• Large pellets that sink too quickly—they can be ignored in favor of easier targets.
• Foods high in fillers without protein—they won’t provide adequate nutrition.
• Sudden dietary changes without transition periods can lead to refusal to eat, a common problem in reef tanks.

Real-World Feeding Anecdotes

Experienced reef keepers often describe the first days of introducing a Six Line Wrasse as a learning curve. One keeper noted that their wrasse initially ignored frozen mysis but quickly adapted when the mysis was offered directly into crevices, mimicking natural hunting. Another emphasized the importance of having copepods established on live rock before introducing the wrasse—it immediately began grazing rather than hiding.

A Six Line Wrasse’s appetite isn’t just about food—it’s a window into its behavior. Observing it hunt, dash, and pause mid-swim reveals its personality, instincts, and even mood. Feed it well, and you’ll see bursts of energy, elegant maneuvers, and even playful interactions with tankmates like Clownfish or Scooter Blennies.

Ultimately, keeping a Six Line Wrasse healthy requires both quality nutrition and an environment that allows its natural hunting behavior. When done right, you’re not just feeding a fish—you’re watching a tiny predator thrive, colorful and energetic, in a carefully balanced reef ecosystem.

Behavior and Social Life – The Energetic Enforcer of the Reef

If you thought the Six Line Wrasse was just a flash of color, think again. Its personality is as vivid as its stripes. These small fish pack an outsized presence in any reef tank, zipping around with energy, patrolling their territory, and interacting with virtually everything that shares their space. Watching one is like observing a tiny, underwater patrol officer: always alert, always moving, and occasionally, a little bossy.

The Territorial Nature

Six Line Wrasses are territorial, and their sense of ownership is strong. In the wild, males defend small territories, ensuring access to food and potential mates. In captivity, this behavior translates into patrolling specific areas of your tank, often circling the same rock formations or coral patches repeatedly.

• Single Wrasses: Tend to dominate their territory without conflict in a moderately stocked tank.
• Multiple Wrasses: Only one male per tank unless you have a very large, well-structured aquarium. Males will challenge each other, using displays and chasing to assert dominance.
• Female Wrasses: Generally less aggressive but still enjoy defined areas of the tank.

Territorial behavior isn’t always negative—it gives the tank a dynamic energy. You’ll notice the Six Line dash after intruders like small wrasses or shrimp that wander too close to their claimed space. Unlike truly aggressive fish, they rarely cause serious harm; it’s more of a warning, a quick chase, and then a return to patrol.

Interactions with Tankmates

The Six Line Wrasse plays well with many reef residents, but knowing its social preferences is key. Its constant movement and occasional assertiveness can stress shy or slow-moving species.

Ideal companions:

• Clownfish: Bold, fast enough to keep pace, and resilient.
• Gobies and Blennies: Bottom-dwellers that usually stay out of its main territory.
• Mandarins: Peaceful and unlikely to provoke conflict.

Less ideal companions:

• Slow, delicate fish that can’t escape quick bursts of energy.
• Other aggressive wrasses of similar size.
• Very small invertebrates without escape routes—they may occasionally be harassed.

Interestingly, Six Line Wrasses can also act as small reef cleaners. They often chase and consume nuisance pests like flatworms, bristle worms, or small amphipods that might overpopulate the tank. In that sense, they’re energetic enforcers—keeping the ecosystem balanced while entertaining the aquarist.

Daily Behavior Patterns

These wrasses are diurnal—they’re active during the day and rest at night. During daylight hours, you’ll see them:

• Patrolling the same routes along rockwork.
• Investigating every nook and crevice.
• Darting after microfauna or leftover food.
• Occasionally displaying fin flares or color intensification to assert dominance.

When the lights dim, the Six Line often tucks into a small crevice, tail curled slightly, fins folded, and body pressed against the rock—a reminder that even the fastest fish needs rest. Observing these patterns helps aquarists understand their personalities and adapt tank setups accordingly.

Personality Traits That Captivate

Part of what makes the Six Line Wrasse a favorite is its combination of speed, intelligence, and charm. Unlike purely aggressive fish, it balances assertiveness with curiosity. It reacts to new tank decorations, inspects changes in lighting, and even seems to track the movements of other inhabitants, sometimes darting playfully nearby without causing real trouble.

Some aquarists report that their Six Line Wrasse will follow them along the glass, like it’s checking on a human visitor. Others note how it seems to “train” shrimp or smaller fish, nudging them gently while on its rounds. These behaviors may seem subtle, but they add depth to the tank, making it feel alive, dynamic, and interactive.

In short, the Six Line Wrasse isn’t just a reef decoration—it’s an active participant in its environment. Its constant movement, territorial instincts, and interactions with other tankmates create a lively, engaging, and sometimes unpredictable dynamic that keeps hobbyists watching. This is a fish that commands attention without demanding it, a small but powerful personality in the reef community.

Why the Six Line Wrasse Deserves a Spot in Your Reef

Some fish enter a tank and blend into the background. Others arrive and instantly change the energy, the mood, and even the rhythm of the aquarium. The Six Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) falls firmly into the latter category. With its vibrant stripes, relentless energy, and inquisitive personality, it doesn’t just live in your reef—it activates it.

A Burst of Color and Motion

The first thing that grabs your attention is its color. Those six bright horizontal stripes of blue and orange seem almost electric under reef lighting, shimmering as it moves. But color alone isn’t what makes this fish unforgettable. It’s the way it moves: zipping through rockwork, pausing to inspect a crevice, darting after tiny copepods, then suddenly flicking its tail and vanishing around a coral head. Its movement creates a rhythm in the tank, a constant pulse of life that makes every glance into the aquarium feel like a new discovery.

Personality That Keeps You Watching

Beyond its looks, the Six Line Wrasse has a personality that’s impossible to ignore. It’s bold yet playful, territorial yet intelligent. Unlike some more aggressive reef dwellers, it manages to assert itself without causing chaos—at least in a well-planned tank. Its daily patrols and subtle interactions with other species, like Scooter Blennies, Mandarin Dragonets, or small gobies, make it feel like a dynamic participant rather than a static decoration. You begin to anticipate its routes, its pauses, and even its little quirks, forming a surprisingly personal connection.

A Natural Reef Helper

One of the underrated reasons to include a Six Line Wrasse in your reef is its functional role. It’s a small predator of pests—chasing bristle worms, small flatworms, and other microfauna that might otherwise overpopulate your tank. Watching it hunt is like observing a tiny reef ecosystem in action, and knowing that your wrasse contributes to the health of your tank adds a layer of satisfaction for any aquarist.

The Joy of Active Watching

Some fish encourage you to sit back and relax. The Six Line Wrasse encourages engagement. You watch, you learn, and you interact. You notice how it reacts to new tank mates, how it explores newly added live rock, or how it changes behavior when food is introduced. Each day brings small discoveries—a fleeting chase, a brief display, a pause in a crevice—and that’s what makes reefkeeping with this species endlessly rewarding.

Why It Stands Out

When compared to other reef species, the Six Line Wrasse is unique in combining color, energy, intelligence, and charm. Other reef favorites, like the Mandarin Dragonet or Royal Gramma, may rival it in color or serenity, but few match its non-stop motion and bold personality. It’s a fish that adds life, movement, and character to any setup, proving that even small species can have a massive impact.

In the end, the Six Line Wrasse isn’t just another addition to a tank—it’s a spark. A vibrant, active, endlessly curious spark that transforms a collection of corals and rocks into a living, breathing reef ecosystem. Its presence reminds you why you fell in love with marine life in the first place: the thrill of discovery, the joy of interaction, and the beauty of a creature that lives on its own terms.

For any reef enthusiast looking for a combination of color, energy, and personality, the Six Line Wrasse is not just a choice—it’s a must-have.