The Six Line Wrasse is one of the more interesting fish to watch as it darts in and out of live rock.  It is extremely fast and one of the more difficult fish to photograph.  Although the Six Line is generally considered a community fish anything smaller than it may become a victim of bullying or even a meal.  The Six Line has been known to kill smaller snails and shrimp, however they will leave anemones and coral alone.  One of the most beneficial characteristics is that they will consume and control flatworms and small nuisance snails such as the Pyramidellid Snail.  They will also help to control any amphipod or copepod infestation.

Notes:

Like all Wrasses care must be taken to make sure they don’t jump out if you have an open aquarium system.  Being a true community fish they also should not be housed with predatory fish such as the Lion fish or Puffer.  There should also only be one per aquarium as they do not coexist well with their same species.  Occasionally you may see the Six Line Wrasse cleaning off other fish of parasites much like a Skunk Cleaner Shrimp.  Do not house this species with any slow moving feeders such as Mandarins or Sea Horses as they will out compete them for food.  Once acclimated to the home aquarium they are quite social and curious.  At night they will wrap themselves in a mucus cocoon to sleep, so live rock with an ample supply of hiding places is a must.  Generally the Six Line Wrasse is a win win combination of beauty and pest control – but don’t forget to cover your tank otherwise eventually one day you’ll see yours on the floor.

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