Wrasses

Sixline wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)

The Sixline wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) belongs to the family Labridae (wrasses) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in groups or alone. It reaches about 8 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Sixline wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia), a Red Sea fish of the wrasses family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific namePseudocheilinus hexataenia
FamilyWrasses (Labridae)
Common name (IT)Tordo a sei linee
Common name (EN)Sixline wrasse
Maximum size8 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Sixline wrasse belong to?
The Sixline wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) belongs to the family Labridae (wrasses).
Is the Sixline wrasse dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Sixline wrasse endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Sixline wrasse get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 8 cm.

Explore the Sixline wrasse in 3D in the interactive atlas →