Eight Line Wrasse

Eight Lined Wrasse: The Bold and Striped Hunter

The Eight Lined Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus octotaenia) is a striking and robust species of "Line Wrasse" known for its bold, territorial nature and vibrant color pattern. Native to the vast Indo-Pacific, this fish is characterized by a body that varies in hue from whitish-pink to reddish-purple, adorned with eight thin, strong, horizontal red or purplish stripes running the length of its body. As one of the larger members of its genus, it requires thoughtful tankmate selection due to its moderately aggressive temperament, especially toward smaller or similarly shaped fish.

The Eight Lined Wrasse is an active diurnal fish that spends its time patrolling the rockwork of the aquarium, hunting for small invertebrates. This makes it a popular choice for reef keepers looking for a natural pest controller, as it is known to prey upon common aquarium pests like pyramidellid snails (parasites of Tridacna clams) and some species of flatworms and bristleworms.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This fish is a Carnivore that feeds primarily on benthic crustaceans, worms, and mollusks in the wild. In captivity, it readily accepts a variety of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes. Feeding 2-4 times daily is recommended to maintain optimal health and coloration. An established tank with ample live rock provides crucial supplemental foraging opportunities.
• Habitat: A minimum of 50–55 gallons is recommended, with a larger tank preferred to mitigate territorial aggression. The tank must be richly decorated with live rock to create numerous caves, crevices, and hiding spots. Like all Pseudocheilinus species, the Eight Lined Wrasse is an exceptional jumper and requires a tight-fitting, weighted lid or mesh screen cover to prevent escape.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe with Caution. While generally harmless to corals and large sessile invertebrates, its natural diet means it will opportunistically prey on small ornamental shrimp (such as Peppermint or Cleaner Shrimp, especially when molting), small crabs, and snails. It is an excellent control for some aquarium pests.
• Temperament: It is generally considered Aggressive/Semi-Aggressive, particularly toward its own species, other wrasses (especially other Line Wrasses like the Six Line), and smaller, more docile fish (like dartfish, smaller gobies, and certain dottybacks) that share rock-dwelling niches. It is best kept singly and introduced to the aquarium last to prevent excessive bullying.
• Sleeping Habit: This wrasse does not typically bury in the sand. Instead, it forms a mucus cocoon or wedges itself securely into a tight rock crevice to sleep at night.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pseudocheilinus octotaenia
• Primary Common Name: Eight Lined Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Eight Stripe Wrasse, Eight-lined Wrasse
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (East Africa to Hawaii)
• Max Size: Up to 5.5 inches (14 cm)
• Temperament: Aggressive/Territorial (Especially towards congeners)
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet: Carnivore/Pest Controller
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Safe with Caution (May eat small inverts)