Four, Six, Eight, Who Do We Appreciate?

Wrasses! Wrasses! The Genus Pseudocheilinus

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-08/hcs3/index.php

A small genus of labrid fishes is regularly among the most popular fish for small marine aquariums. Although
the genus lacks a common name, I'll refer to these regularly imported and sometimes misunderstood fish as "The
Lined Wrasses" for reasons that should be obvious, once you get a chance to view a few photos. These small
colorful wrasses have attractive patterns, mostly consisting of horizontal stripes, although one species has
vertical stripes and one lacks stripes entirely. In addition to their small size and attractive looks, they are active
fish. But are these personable fish right for every aquarium? Welcome to the August edition of "Fish Tales" and
a look at the genus Pseudocheilinus.

A Six-Line Wrasse, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia, seen here foraging on fauna

among live rock. Photo courtesy of Lisa Page.

Meet the Family

Pseudocheilinus is one of 60 genera within the Family Labridae, one of the largest reef fish families, which
contains over 500 species and is second only to Gobiidae in total number of species. All wrasses, with the
exception of Conniella apterygial, swim with their pectoral fins (Michael, 1998).
Within the recognized nine subfamilies of Labridae (Norman, 1957) is the subgroup or "tribe" called the
Cirrhilabrini. Six genera are members of this tribe, of which Pseudocheilinus is one. All six of these genera (see
below) share a unique eye structure, which is limited to these genera. This "double pupil" is the result of a
division of the scleral cornea, which creates two equal halves (Springer and Randall, 1974). It is hypothesized
that the anterior portion may well serve as a macro lens of sorts, which might aid these fish in the predation of
small benthic invertebrates (Randall, 1999).
Genera of the tribe Cirrhilabrini
Cirrhilabrus

Pseudocheilinus

Conniella

Pseudocheilinops

Paracheilinus

Pteragogus

In addition to the specialized pupil, the seven members of Pseudocheilinus are characterized as having three or

canines up front, and then a series of small conical teeth on the inside. As can be expected, the design of the jaw
structure aids in the capture of prey.
Originally, there was little confusion within the genus. The hardest part in reconciling this confusion seemed to
be the problem with obtaining specimens of these often-secretive reef dwellers. Once the use of ichthyocide
rotenone was established within the scientific community, knowledge of this genus increased greatly. Bleeker
(1857) originally described Cheilinus hexataenia and later (1862) reclassified it as Pseudocheilinus. The genus
remained monotypic until Jenkins (1901) described P. octotania and shortly thereafter Jordan and Evermann
(1903) described P. evanidus. Quite some time passed before a new addition was recognized. In 1960, Schultz,
et. al. described P. tetrataenia. This, apparently, is where the understanding of this genus became complicated.
In 1970 Randall collected three additional species of Pseudocheilinus. However, it took 29 years for them to be
officially recognized. The delay was a result of confusion over what is now known as P. octotaenia (Randall,
1999). Randall wasn't sure if this species was a single species of variable color patterns or more than one
species. At the present time it is considered a singular species with numerous color patterns.

Labridae
Pseudocheilinus
citrinus
dispilus
evanidus
hexataenia
ocellatus
octotaenia
tetrataenia

In the Wild
All seven species are represented within Indo-Pacific waters. Geographical distribution varies greatly amongst
the species, with P. hexataenia having the widest range: from the Red Sea and eastern African coast stretching
across the entire Indian Ocean and into the South Pacific to Tahiti and Tuamotu Archipelago. Pseudocheilinus
evanidus has a distribution nearly as large, stopping just short of the Tuamotu Archipelago at the Marquesas
Islands. On the flip side of the coin is P. dispilus, which has a distribution limited to Mauritius and Reunion
Islands. Even though some specimens of this genus have been found down to 180 feet deep, most are found in
water shallower than 60 feet deep. The exception, however, is P. ocellatus which is not found above 60 feet, and
is only rarely noted above 100 feet of depth (Randall, 1999).

Pseudocheilinus ocellatus is considered by most as the most beautiful of all Lined

Wrasses. In recent times it has become more widely available with a reduciton of price.
Photo courtesy of Henry C. Schultz III.

All species of Pseudocheilinus are coral reef dwellers. These small wrasses remain secretive and are rather
difficult to approach underwater. They quite effectively hide in the small nooks and crannies created within a
reef structure. Their main defense is simply to disappear within the rockwork. They will wedge themselves
within this rockwork and remain hidden until the perceived threat is no longer a concern. The rockwork is also
used as their sleeping quarters. All Pseudocheilinus spp. are diurnal, spending the evening inside a mucus
cocoon, much like the fishes in the family Scaridae. This cocoon has been theorized to protect the entombed fish
from predators while they sleep. Beyond providing a secure retreat, the reef structure also provides the prey for
these wrasses. They are very effective predators of microfauna. Gut analysis of this species has revealed the
staple of their diet to be small benthic crustaceans, such as copepods and amphipods. Isopods, small fish, crabs,
shrimp, and polychaetes were also regularly noted in most species.
Individuals of Pseudocheilinus species are not only shy, but they are also solitary. Some adults may form loose
aggregations, but even still, they do not interact as groups or harems, instead choosing to remaining a
unsociable. Spawning reports seem to be non-existent, although it is presumed mating is done in pairs.
Pseudocheilinus species are protogynous hermaphrodites, that is, all males were first functioning females.
Various studies have been performed and have indicated overall size is a good indication of the sex of the
animal. Generally speaking, a Pseudocheilinus that is one-third or less of its maximal expected length is still
immature and does not have a sex. Animals between one-third and two-thirds of their expected adult total length
are sexually functioning females, and thus, males are those individuals that are above two-thirds of their total
expected adult length (Randall, 1999).

A wonderful photograph of the Four Line wrasse, Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia, in

a home aquarium. Photo courtesy of Greg Rothschild of Mother Nature's Creations.

In the Home Aquarium

All Pseudocheilinus species make hardy additions to a reef aquarium. They remain extremely disease resistant,
and once established inside an aquarium, are generally long-lived. Reports of Lined Wrasses living over 10
years are not uncommon. However, it is also not uncommon for these diminutive fish to become rather
boisterous to the extent of becoming hostile. Once established in the aquarium, mixing additional fish, or even
shrimp, can be an exercise of futility. Smaller fish may be consumed, while fish of equal size or slightly larger
are likely to be harassed. Sometimes the harassment will subside after a few days, other times it will continue
until the death of the targeted animal. In either case, it is best to take steps to avoid this confrontation. Some tips
to minimize these problems would include adding the Lined Wrasse last, separating individuals with egg crate
material until aggression has subsided, and designing the aquarium's aquascape to contain a lot of hiding places.
In some cases the removal of one of the fish may be required to restore equilibrium. Maintaining individuals of
two or more Pseudocheilinus species in the same aquarium is not recommended.
Compatibility chart for Pseudocheilinus:

Fish

Will
CoExist

Angels, Dwarf
Angels, Large
Anthias
Assessors
Basses
Batfish
Blennies
Boxfishes
Butterflies
Cardinals
Catfish
Comet

X
X
X

Cowfish
Damsels
Dottybacks
Dragonets

X
X

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

Drums
Eels

Filefish
Frogfish
Goatfish
Gobies

Grammas
Groupers
Hamlets
Hawkfish
Jawfish
Lionfish

May
Will Notes
Co- Not CoExist Exist

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

Should mix well provided angel is in first.

Good tank mates.
Individual Anthias are at risk of harassment.
Wrasse will likely continually pester them.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Most blennies can 'hold their own.'
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Cardinals in first, but wrasse may harass anyway.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Small Cowfish are at risk of harassment.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Food competitors and Lined Wrasse will likely continually
pester them.
Good tank mates.
Some species will mix; Larger specimens may consume Lined
Wrasses.
Good tank mates.
Larger specimens may consume Lined Wrasses.
Good tank mates.
Wrasse will likely continually pester them.
Wrasse will likely continually pester them.
Larger specimens may consume Lined Wrasses.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Wrasse will likely continually pester them.
Larger specimens may consume Lined Wrasses.

Parrotfish
Pineapple Fish
Pipefish

X
X

Puffers
Rabbitfish
Sand Perches
Scorpionfish
Seahorses

X
X

Snappers
Soapfishes
Soldierfish
Spinecheeks
Squirrelfish
Surgeonfish
Sweetlips
Tilefish
Toadfish
Triggerfish
Waspfish
Wrasses

X
X
X
X
X
X

X
X
X

X
X
X
X
X
X

Good tank mates.

Good tank mates.
Food competitors and Lined Wrasses will likely continually
pester them.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Large Sand Perches can consume Lined Wrasses.
Larger specimens can consume Lined Wrasses.
Food competitors and Lined Wrasses will likely continually
pester them.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Good tank mates.
Larger specimens can consume Lined Wrasses.
Should be excellent tank mates.
Larger specimens can consume Lined Wrasses.
Some Triggerfish require a species-specific aquarium.
Larger specimens can consume Lined Wrasses.
Will harass most other wrasses, the exception being larger,
more aggressive wrasses.

Note: While many of the fish listed are good tank mates for Pseudocheilinus species, you should research each fish
individually before adding it to your aquarium. Some of the fish mentioned are better left in the ocean, or for advanced
aquarists.

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia, the Six-Line Wrasse, has the most wide-spread

distribution of the genus. Photo courtesy of Greg Rothschild
of Mother Nature's Creations.

Besides harassing decorative shrimp, individuals of Pseudocheilinus species are likely to pester crabs. In regards

shrimp and crabs make up a small portion of their natural diet; so do not be surprised when they come up
missing in a Lined Wrasse aquarium. It might be in your best interest to plan on not keeping these mobile
invertebrates in combination with a Lined Wrasse. Also, the commensal crabs often found associated with
Acropora species are likely to be hunted and consumed. Quite frequently, the fish will ignore these decorative
mobile invertebrates for years, only to decide one day that they look like a tasty morsel. Once a Lined wrasse
becomes a shrimp/crab eater, it can be expected to remain as such throughout its life. It would be wise to forego
the thought of maintaining these invertebrates or remove the wrasse. The attacks on mobile invertebrates likely
stops there, with the exception being small snails that are brave enough to venture out during the day. Typically,
no predation is displayed upon sessile invertebrates.
Of course, before worrying about whether it will mix with your planned inhabitants, it would be wise to visually
inspect the health of the prospective fish. Avoid any fish with obvious signs of damage, especially around the
mouth or fins. Likewise, ensure the fish is eating. Lined Wrasses should be alert and active in the dealer's
aquarium, and should be feeding by actively searching the substrate and rockwork, as well as taking prepared
foods from the water column.
Naturally, ensure your aquarium meets the requirements for successful husbandry. Aquarium size is not terribly
important given the small size and shy nature of these fish. However, the aquarium must be large enough to meet
several criteria. First, it needs to contain adequate hiding spaces. Lined wrasses are not outgoing fish, and will
likely spend a great deal of time cruising through the live rock. Small caves, nooks, and crannies should be
plentiful. Aquascape the aquarium to maximize the hiding places, given the amount of live rock at hand. In
addition to hiding places, a high quality live rock will provide a good deal of natural foods. In situations where
minimal live rock is present, these pod-hunters will decimate your small benthic invertebrate population in short
order. Supplemental feeding should be increased and food competitors should be eliminated. These feedings
should be focused around meat-based foods such as Mysis, plankton, enriched Artemia, and any other
frozen/thawed or freeze-dried foods available to the aquarist that are geared towards carnivores. Lastly, smaller
aquariums likely contain small fish like gobies, or fish that maintain minimal territory requirements such as
jawfish. However, be advised that it is these same fish which the Lined wrasses are most likely to pester.
Therefore, choose aquarium inhabitants carefully.
Meet the Species
By far the most popular Pseudocheilinus is P. hexataenia, or the Six-Lined Wrasse. The relatively shallow water
they inhabit, combined with their easily explains why they are the most regularly available Lined wrasse. Most
are located above 40 feet of depth, with the majority located shallower than 10 feet on some reefs.

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia in a home aquarium. Photos courtesy of

Greg Rothschild of Mother Nature's Creations.

The diet of this species is widely variable, with stomach contents containing such items as foraminifera,
copepods, amphipods, gastropod eggs, gnathiid and idoteid isopods, shrimp and shrimp larvae, and mysids.
Sano, et al., (1984) concluded this species consumes mainly demersal planktonic crustaceans, but feeds
occasionally on crustacean ectoparasites of other fishes.
The largest specimen studied thus far has been 61mm. For those concerned about the sex of their fish, all
specimens measuring 35mm and up were determined to be males, those in the 25 - 30mm range were mature
females, and those in the 21 - 27mm range were immature (Randall, 1999). This obviously lends support to the
belief of protogynous hermaphroditism.
The Four-Lined wrasse, P. tetrataenia, is another regular import. Distribution is throughout both the tropical
North and South Pacific Oceans. Like the Six-Lined, it is a shallow reef dweller. It prefers to stay tight to the
outer reef slopes and is most often found associating with the coral Pocillopora meandrina (Randall, 1999).
Rarely does this species venture more than several inches to one foot above the substrate. Stomach contents of
this fish were also highly variable, though somewhat selective. One fish was noted to have only the remains of a
Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus sp.), while another contained a crab, and yet a third had only shrimp and gastropod
larvae.
Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia held true to protogynous hermaphroditism when researched. The largest individuals
(up to 102mm) were always male, the smallest were immature, and those in the middle were female.
Interestingly, one specimen that was 42.5mm had the tissue of both the female reproductive organs as well as
that of the male (Randall, 1999).

Another Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia in the home aquarium. They adapt well to the high
light aquariums of today thanks to their tendancy to prefer shallow outer reefs. Photos
courtesy of Greg Rothschild of Mother Nature's Creations.

The Eight-Lined Wrasse, or P. octotaenia, is not nearly as regularly imported as the two aforementioned Lined
wrasses. These are among the largest Lined wrasses, roughly 127mm at adulthood, and consequently their diet
reflects this. Stomach contents revealed two specimens dining exclusively on small fish, another on crabs, and a
third split between shrimp and gastropods (note, I did not say 'larvae'). This species is rather variable in color
patterns, and at one point some confusion existed because of the multi-color patterns. Originally named by
Jenkins (1901), it was subsequently renamed by Smith (1955) as P. margaretae. Schultz (1960) moved P.
margaretae into synonymy with P. octotaenia.
The Five-bar Wrasse, or P. ocellatus, is likely considered the most attractive of all the Pseudocheilinus.
Distribution is sporadic throughout the tropical North and South Pacific Oceans and is generally limited to
deeper waters than the common Lined wrasses inhabit. Most specimens are located from 90 to 120 feet of depth.
Their sporadic distribution, combined with the depth at which they are acquired, combine to make this Lined
wrasse the most expensive of the genus. Four inches of length at adulthood should be expected for these
wrasses.
Conclusion
Oftentimes hobbyists are excited upon seeing their first Lined wrasse. Their small size and adorable stripes
usually make for a quick impulse purchase. They mistakenly assume it'll mix well into any aquarium, and

eagerly take it home. Only after it becomes aggressive will the hobbyist do a quick search and discover that this
behavior was to be expected. The hobbyist is then faced with the unpleasant duty of trying to capture a small,
fast, nimble fish. It is not an easy task! Arming yourself with this knowledge before the purchase will save many
headaches down the road. For those reading this after their purchase, may I recommend a good fish trap link?

If you have any questions about this article, please visit my author forum on Reef Central.
References:
Michael, S.W. 1998. Reef Fishes Volume 1. Microcosm. Shelburne, VT. pp. 624.
Norman, J. R. 1957. A Draft Synopsis of the Orders, Families, and Genera of the Recent Fishes and Fish-Like
Vertebrates. British Museum (Natural History), London. 649 pp.
Randall, J. E. 1999. Revision of the Indo-Pacific Labrid Fishes of the Genus Pseudochilinus, with descriptions
of three new species. Indo-Pacific Fishes. Bern. Pau. Bish. Mus. 34pp.
Spinger, V. G. and Randall, J. E. 1974. Two new species of the labrid fish genus Cirrhilabrus from the Red Sea.
Israel Jour. Zool. 23: 45-54