Eight-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus octotaenia) Care Guide
Pseudocheilinus octotaenia is a benthic Indo-Pacific reef wrasse with eight body lines, feeding on small crustaceans and invertebrates.
Overview
Pseudocheilinus octotaenia is a lined wrasse of the family Labridae, described by Jenkins in 1901. According to FishBase it ranges across the Indo-Pacific and reaches about 14.0 cm standard length. It is identified by eight longitudinal body lines.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Pseudocheilinus
- Scientific name: Pseudocheilinus octotaenia
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Hawaiian and Ducie islands and north to the Yaeyama Islands. It is reef-associated and benthopelagic, found over rubble or live corals of seaward reefs, usually in caves and crevices with invertebrate growth, at depths of 0-50 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (KB): 8-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
FishBase describes it as a benthic carnivore (trophic level about 3.4) that feeds mainly on benthic crustaceans, but also takes small molluscs, echinoids, fish eggs and crab larvae.
Compatibility
An aggressive, reef-associated species. The KB record lists tangs, clownfish and cardinalfish as suitable tankmates, while other lined wrasses and small shy fish should be avoided.
Breeding
FishBase records the species as oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding.