About Six Line Wrasse
The Six Line Wrasse is a colorful, active wrasse with six horizontal orange and blue lines running along its purple body. Native to the Indo-Pacific, these wrasses are known for their ability to eat flatworms and pest anemones, making them beneficial for reef tanks. However, they can be aggressive toward other wrasses, small fish, and decorative shrimp. They are constantly on the move, darting in and out of rockwork. While useful for pest control, their aggression requires careful tank mate selection.
Care Guide
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
Six Line Wrasses need established reef tanks with plenty of rockwork.
Essential Setup:
- 30+ gallons
- Live rock for grazing
- Caves and hiding spots
- Tight-fitting lid (jumpers)
- Temperature 72-78°F
Water Quality
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
Feeding
Carnivores with pest control benefits:
- Frozen Mysis shrimp
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Marine pellets
- Copepods
- Flatworms: Eats pest flatworms
- Pyramidellid snails: Eats pest snails
- Aiptasia: May eat small pest anemones
Pest Control Benefits
Useful for:
- Flatworms: Eats common reef flatworms
- Pyramidellid snails: Eats parasitic snails
- Small Aiptasia: May consume
- Pest control: Natural reef maintenance
Behavior & Compatibility
Active but can be aggressive:
- Active: Constantly swimming
- Semi-aggressive: To other wrasses
- Shrimp predators: Will eat small shrimp
- Territorial: Defend rockwork areas
Good Tank Mates:
- Clownfish
- Tangs
- Blennies
- Gobies
- Larger peaceful fish
Avoid:
- Other wrasses (will fight)
- Small ornamental shrimp
- Very small fish
- Peaceful nano fish
Jumping
- Can jump: When startled
- Secure lid: Recommended
Appearance
- Six lines: Orange and blue stripes
- Purple body: Base coloration
- Active: Constant movement
Tips for Success
- One per tank (territorial to other wrasses)
- Good for flatworm control
- May eat small shrimp
- Active and entertaining
- Secure lid recommended