Fourline wrasse

About

The four-lined wrasse (Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia) is one of the smaller members of the Pseudocheilinus genus, but it carries itself with the confidence of a fish twice its size. As the name suggests, it sports four distinct horizontal lines running along the body, a clean and recognizable pattern that makes it relatively easy to identify among the reef dwellers it lives alongside. In the wild it occupies reef environments across a broad Indo-Pacific range, tending to stay close to coral rubble and branching corals where it can dart in and out of cover. That secretive, reef-hugging behavior carries over into aquarium life, and a tank with plenty of rockwork and structure will help this fish settle in and feel secure. It has a reputation for being moderately feisty toward smaller or more passive tankmates, so careful thought about community composition is worth the effort before adding one. It is generally considered an intermediate-level fish, not because of demanding water quality needs, but because of its temperament and the attention required when choosing compatible neighbors. It does well in reef systems and poses little threat to corals, which makes it a practical choice for reefers who want an active, personable fish with genuine character.