Neon Wrasse and 6 Line wrasse

[Bluetangclan]

Will these two live peacefully with each other. I read that Neons eat algae. Any truth to this? Are they reef safe or do they have any bad habits I should know about?

 

[GSchiemer]

It's difficult to answer these type questions without knowing the exact ID of the fish. "Neon wrasse" can refer to many species. "6 line wrasse" usually refers to Pseudocheilinus hexataenia.

P. hexataenia is a durable little fish and a micro-carnivore. It can become a bully towards smaller wrasses and Pseudochromids, especially in small aquariums.

I can't help you on the "neon wrasse' but wrasses in general are carnivores and will not graze on benthic algae.

Greg Schiemer

 

[zebrasoma171]

I've seen the four-line wrasse (P. tetrataenia) sold as the neon wrasse. If this is your fish then I think it is too similar and closely related to the six-line to risk putting them together.

I agree with Greg's assessment of the six-line and would add that once established it can be very territorial and may harass any new additions.

Al

 

[GSchiemer]

I've seen the four-line wrasse (P. tetrataenia) sold as the neon wrasse. If this is your fish then I think it is too similar and closely related to the six-line to risk putting them together.

I agree with Greg's assessment of the six-line and would add that once established it can be very territorial and may harass any new additions.

Al

If the "neon wrasse" is P. tetrataenia, then it can't be kept in the same aquarium as P. hexataenia. One will eventually kill the other. Additionally, P. tetrataenia will not "eat algae."

This post illustrates why we should use scientific names and/or pictures whenever possible. It saves time and improves the odds of getting quality responses. I've seen bad information given out on MANY occassions due to miscommunication.

Greg Schiemer

 

[saltjunkie]

i think its hard for the hobbiest to use scientific names....... most, including me dont know all that. We know what the LFS has labled.
I get "neon" wrasses in all the time at my shop.......as i label and price them, they labled as 4 line wrasses.......
i have 1 each in my reef tank, my look down tank, and my lil 11g via aqua display up front in the store.
They are a beautiful fish, much more so in my opinion thaan the 6 line. but are pesky, and can be down right mean. and agressive.
just like any wrasse, watch for ornamental shrimp feasts, pods ad worms..... all will be eaten.

 

[GSchiemer]

i think its hard for the hobbiest to use scientific names....... most, including me dont know all that. We know what the LFS has labled.
I get "neon" wrasses in all the time at my shop.......as i label and price them, they labled as 4 line wrasses.......
i have 1 each in my reef tank, my look down tank, and my lil 11g via aqua display up front in the store.
They are a beautiful fish, much more so in my opinion thaan the 6 line. but are pesky, and can be down right mean. and agressive.
just like any wrasse, watch for ornamental shrimp feasts, pods ad worms..... all will be eaten.

It's not too hard to use scientific names and we should encourage it, especially you as a store owner. IMO, it's just laziness on the part of hobbiests. Most hobbiests have or should have reference books. Scott's Michael's "500 Need to Know Species" is an inexpensive example. If you purchase a fish online, most retailers give you the scientific name. If you purchase from a local store and don't have a your own reference book, you can borrow the store's copy and look it up. Lastly, with a little effort, there are plenty of online resources to aid in identification.

BTW, I've seen species of Cirrhilabrus and Halichoeres wrasses referred to as "neon wrasse." There are very few common names that are universal, but every scientific name is.

Greg Schiemer