Pseudocheilinus hexataenia (Bleeker, 1857)

Size

The six-line wrasse is a very small wrasse species that reaches a maximum total length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in).

Body Coloration

Its body is violet, marked with six orange stripes running along the flanks.

Fin and Head Markings

It has a small eyespot on the dorsal section of the caudal fin base, a blue stripe along the base of the anal fin, a blue streak on the pelvic fin, and red eyes.

Initial Taxonomic Description

This species was first formally described as Cheilinus hexataenia in 1857 by Dutch ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker (1819-1878), with its type locality recorded as Ambon in the Moluccas.

Genus Placement

When Bleeker established the genus Pseudocheilinus in 1862, he designated Cheilinus hexataenia as the genus's type species.

Indian Ocean Distribution

The six-line wrasse's distribution ranges from the eastern coast of Africa, occurring from the Red Sea to South Africa, across the Indian Ocean and into the Western Pacific Ocean.

Western Pacific Distribution

In the Western Pacific, its range extends north to Japan, south to northern Australia, and east as far as Tuamotu.

Habitat Types

This wrasse is found among coral branches on seaward reefs, and also occurs in clear coastal waters, and in areas of dense coral growth on shallow reef crests or reef slopes.

Depth Range

It has been recorded at depths up to around 20 metres (66 ft).

Social Behavior

It is a secretive, shy species that is typically found in small, loose groups that swim among coral branches for protection.

Diet

It feeds mainly on small crustaceans.

Cleaning Behavior

It has also been observed acting as a cleaner fish, removing ectoparasites including copepods and isopods from other fish.

Spawning Timing

In the Izu Islands of Japan, spawning occurs just before sunset.

Spawning Behavior

Paired adults make a very quick dash toward the surface to spawn, and this dash speed lowers their risk of being preyed on by other fish.

Activity Pattern

This is a diurnal species.

Nocturnal Shelter

At night, it shelters in cavities and creates a mucus cocoon to sleep in.

Mucus Cocoon Function

It is thought that this cocoon helps protect it from nocturnal predators by masking the sleeping fish's scent.