Six line wrasse reef compatibility check
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Six line wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) is an intermediate-level wrasse that needs at least 30 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; can harass peaceful fish. Temperament is semi aggressive and adults reach about 3 inches. ReefCrafter schedules it as late-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Useful and active, but best added after peaceful fish are settled.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 30+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 30 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without some reef experience and stable parameters.
- ✕ Peaceful community tanks with small, timid fish.
- ✕ Can harass peaceful fish.
Compatibility warnings
- Can harass peaceful fish.
- Known jumper; use a tight lid.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 30 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 30 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Semi Aggressive
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 3 in
- Placement
- rockwork patrol
- Diet
- Small meaty foods and pests in rockwork.
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 1.2
- Stocking stage
- Late
Related species
- Carpenter's flasher wrasse
40+ gallons.
- Pink streaked wrasse
20+ gallons, beginner care.
- Yellow coris wrasse
50+ gallons, reef caution.
- Melanurus wrasse
55+ gallons, reef caution.
Equipment that fits
- Innovative Marine 30L NUVO Fusion PRO AIO Aquarium Bundle
30-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Coralife BioCube 32 LED Aquarium
32-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Fiji Cube 32 Gallon Rimless AIO Glass Nano Tank PRO Series
32-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the six line wrasse need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 30 gallons, based on an adult size of about 3 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the six line wrasse reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Can harass peaceful fish; Known jumper; use a tight lid.
Is the six line wrasse good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable.
When should I add the six line wrasse to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as late-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.