Eightline Wrasse
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This is a modest-size wrasse that is relatively durable and attractively marked, yet capable of combative behavior, especially in smaller aquariums.
Family: Labridae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
- Indo-West Pacific
- East Africa
- Hawaii
- Ducie Islands
- Yaeyama Islands
Habitat: Reef. Numerous hiding places are a must to keep this species happy and healthy.
Maximum length: 13 cm (5 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Carnivore. Feed meaty foods, twice a day. Will require less frequent feeding in a reef tank with a healthy micro-invertebrate population.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Larger than its close cousin the Sixline Wrasse, this species is also a greater threat to its piscine neighbors. Do not keep it with more docile, smaller species in anything but a larger aquarium (135 gallons [513 L] or more). Larger adults will eat smaller, more elongated fishes. Younger Eightline Wrasse are less of a problem than their larger brethren. Do not keep more than one of these beasts in the same tank. In a very large tank (180 gallons [684 L] or more) you might add two juveniles or individuals that are disparate in size. This fish will eat ornamental crustaceans, but is not a threat to corals.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Egg scatterers that produce pelagic eggs, often in midwater mating rituals. Both eggs and larvae that drift with plankton in the water column and settle back onto a reef at about the time of metamorphosis. These are among the most challenging types of marine fishes to propagate in captivity.
[edit] Notes
This is a rather cryptic species that likes to hang out at the entrance of crevices and caves. It will move into the open to snap up morsels of food. This species will spend more time hiding until it gets used to its new home.
| Common name | Eightline Wrasse + |
| Family | Labridae + |
| Genus | Pseudocheilinus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 5 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 30 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-West Pacific +, East Africa +, Hawaii +, Ducie Islands +, and Yaeyama Islands + |
| Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
| Specific name | octotaenia + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |