Sixline Wrasse

[edit] Overview

This is a diminutive darling that can turn into a demon once it has become established in a smaller tank (that is it may torment smaller, newly introduced tankmates). It is a hardy, interesting fish best kept in larger aquariums with peaceful tankmates.

[edit] Feeding

Carnivore. Feed meaty foods, twice a day. This species will require less frequent feeding in a reef tank with a healthy micro-invertebrate population.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

The Sixline Wrasse can be a good neighbor or a real terror—it depends on the aquarium setting and community. In a ­larger tank, it rarely bothers its tankmates, but in a smaller tank it can cause real problems. While it can be a troublemaker, it will have a difficult time acclimating if added to a tank containing more boisterous species (e.g., dottybacks, large damselfishes, hawkfishes, pygmy angelfishes). Keep one per tank unless the aquarium is quite large (135 gallons [513 L] or more).

[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 fish tends to slink from one hiding place to another, occasionally stopping to survey its domain before disappearing into a nearby crevice or cave. It usually does not bury, but will produce a slime cocoon at night, especially if it is stressed or infested with parasites. It will occasionally “clean” other fishes.

Category: Species