About Four-lined Wrasse
Four-line wrasse — small, hardy, and effective at controlling pest flatworms and bristleworms. Mildly aggressive to similar small fish, so add it last to the stocking order. A favorite of nano-reefers.
The four-lined wrasse, Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia, is a species of wrasse native to the Pacific Ocean. It inhabits coral reefs at depths from 6 to 44 m. This species can grow to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) in total length. It can be found in the aquarium trade.
Notes from the editors
What it looks like. Small wrasse with four bold horizontal lines on a yellow-pink body. Adult size ~3 inches.
In your tank. Useful for controlling pest flatworms (acoel and Convolutriloba) and small bristleworms. Mildly aggressive toward similar-shaped small fish — add last to the stocking order.
Care notes. Hardy and reef-safe. Reasonable nano-reef wrasse. Jumper — tight-fitting lid required.
Sourcing and feeding. Wild-collected from Pacific reefs; widely available ($40–80). Carnivore — mysis, brine, small pellets.
Care info is a starting point, not a guarantee. Individual specimens, water chemistry, and tankmate dynamics vary. Verify against multiple sources and adjust to what you observe. See our terms & disclaimers.
Related fish
Sources & attribution
- Taxonomy and accepted name from the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS AphiaID 278386).
- Description content adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Photo: (c) Debra Baker, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY (via iNaturalist or Wikimedia Commons).