Four-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia) Care Guide
Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia is a small secretive Pacific reef wrasse with four body lines, feeding on small benthic organisms.
Overview
Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia is a lined wrasse of the family Labridae, described by Schultz in 1960. According to FishBase it occurs in the Pacific Ocean and reaches about 7.5 cm total length. It is a secretive species marked by four body lines.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Pseudocheilinus
- Scientific name: Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Pacific Ocean, from Japan to the Hawaiian and Tuamotu islands, south to the Austral Islands. It is reef-associated, found among live coral heads or rubble of seaward reefs at depths of about 6-44 m, where it stays close to the seafloor. Stated temperature range is 25-28 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 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 reports that it feeds on small benthic organisms including copepods, amphipods, alpheid shrimp and larval invertebrates, with a trophic level of about 3.3.
Compatibility
A semi-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.
Conservation status
FishBase lists the IUCN Red List status as Least Concern (2009).