Eight Line Wrasse - Pseudocheilinus ototaenia

Eight Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus ototaenia)

The Eight Line Wrasse is a bold and colourful marine wrasse recognised for its vivid horizontal striping, compact body shape and confident personality. Active, hardy and constantly exploring rockwork, it can make a striking addition to established marine aquariums. This species can become territorial, particularly towards smaller wrasses and similarly shaped fish, so careful tankmate selection is important.

Common Name:
Eight Line Wrasse

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pseudocheilinus ototaenia

Maximum Size:
Approximately 8–10 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Eight Line Wrasse occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is commonly associated with coral-rich areas, rocky crevices and sheltered reef structure.

It spends much of its time weaving through rockwork in search of small crustaceans, worms and other tiny invertebrates.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive

The Eight Line Wrasse can be territorial and may become increasingly assertive once established.

It may chase or harass smaller wrasses, gobies and similarly shaped fish, particularly in more confined aquariums.

It is best kept with confident tankmates that are able to tolerate its active behaviour.

Diet:
Carnivore

The Eight Line Wrasse naturally feeds on small crustaceans, worms and other reef-associated invertebrates.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped prawn, krill and quality marine pellets.

Regular varied feeding helps maintain strong colouration and healthy body condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 150 litres

Provide substantial rockwork with plenty of caves, crevices and sheltered areas.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Eight Line Wrasse is an active daytime fish that spends much of its time weaving through rockwork and searching for food.

It is generally confident once established and can become a highly visible aquarium inhabitant.

Unlike many sand-burying wrasses, it normally seeks refuge within rockwork rather than burying itself in the substrate.

Reef Safe:
With Caution

The Eight Line Wrasse does not normally damage healthy coral tissue.

However, very small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs and other small mobile invertebrates may be investigated or eaten.

It is therefore best considered reef safe with caution.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry and plenty of secure rockwork.

Numerous caves and crevices are important for natural shelter and sleeping behaviour.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is strongly recommended, as wrasses are capable jumpers.

Care should be taken when combining this species with peaceful or smaller wrasses, as territorial aggression may develop.

It is often best introduced after more timid fish have already become established.

Avoid very small ornamental crustaceans where their safety is important.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.