Sechsstreifen-Lippfisch im Zoo Zürich

Sixline wrasse

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia

Some wrasse form a cocoon at night out of mucus they produce themselves, in which they sleep. Among other things, the mucus coating may protect them from nocturnal parasites; it may also make it more difficult for predators to track down the sleeping fish.

LC

Red List
Least Concern

Wrasse usually live as solitary females or in harem groups. Within the group, one female undergoes a sex change to become what is known as a secondary male. This new male then dominates the harem. 

All species of wrasse are diurnal.

At night, they retreat into rock caves or burrow into the ground. As they do so, some species secrete a mucus from their gills and mouth which envelops their entire body. This ‘sleeping bag’ renders the fish odourless, so that nocturnal predators are not attracted to them.

Taxonomy

Wrasse (Labridae), genus Pseudocheilinus (7 species)

Habitat

outer reefs at depths of 2 to 35 metres, hidden behind branching corals

Behaviour and ecology

diurnal, solitary, also found in harem groups with a dominant secondary male (former females that have transformed into males)

Diet

small crustaceans, mussels, fish eggs, snails, crab larvae

Taxonomy

Wrasse (Labridae), genus Pseudocheilinus (7 species)

Habitat

outer reefs at depths of 2 to 35 metres, hidden behind branching corals

Behaviour and ecology

diurnal, solitary, also found in harem groups with a dominant secondary male (former females that have transformed into males)

Diet

small crustaceans, mussels, fish eggs, snails, crab larvae

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Sixline wrasse for CHF 150.–

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Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Sixline wrasse for CHF 150.–

Become a godparent
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