Description
The Sixline Wrasse, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia, is a small, vibrant fish with a distinctive appearance. It is characterized by its six orange or yellow stripes running horizontally along a blue or violet body. It also has a small, dark "eyespot" on the upper base of its tail fin (caudal fin) and blue stripes along the base of its anal fin and on its pelvic fin. It typically reaches a maximum length of about 10 centimeters (3.9 inches).
Key characteristics:
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Coloration: Violet or blue body with six horizontal orange or yellow stripes.
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Size: Maximum length of about 10 cm (3.9 inches).
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Caudal fin: Has a small, dark "eyespot" on the upper part of the base.
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Fins: Blue stripe along the base of the anal fin and a blue streak on the pelvic fin.
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Eyes: Red eyes.
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Habitat: Found in seaward reefs among coral branches and in clear coastal waters, typically in shallow areas.
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Behavior: Generally shy, often staying close to coral branches for protection.
The Sixline Wrasse is a popular choice for reef aquariums due to its small size, vibrant colors, and relatively peaceful temperament, although it can show aggression towards smaller crustaceans and other wrasses. They are also known to feed on flatworms and pyramid snails.
