Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role 
Size
Good to knowWHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Six blue-purple lines run along the orange flanks of the sixline wrasse (« Pseudocheilinus hexataenia »). The rear of the body becomes greener, and a small black spot edged in pale colour marks the tail base. Pale lines cross the eyes. This compact, narrow fish reaches around 10 cm.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
On Red Sea and Indo-Pacific reefs, look for it among branching corals, rocks and rubble. It follows the contours of the reef, threads through narrow openings and keeps shelter close by. Most encounters are in shallow water, although it has been recorded deeper. It explores the reef by day and retreats into a crevice at night.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
The sixline wrasse searches the smallest gaps for prey. It takes mainly tiny crustaceans and other invertebrates among corals and rubble. Its short, repeated movements keep it close to the reef surface.
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