Pink Streaked Wrasse
Pseudocheilinops ataenia
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Wrasse
Family: Labridae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Pink Streaked Wrasse
General information
Considered to be one of the best reef wrasses for aquarists, the Pink-Streaked Wrasse is a small, colorful fish that is a welcome addition to any reef aquarium (even the nano-reef). They are also sexually dichromatic, with the males sporting more pronounced yellow lines down the body and bluish-gray markings on the gill cover. While it is very shy initially, it gradually becomes quite bold and will spend a considerable amount of time in the open. It is a good feeder, taking frozen foods and flake foods. It is ignored by most of its tankmates, although related Pseudocheilinus wrasses may chase it, as the Pink-Streaked Wrasse is much more passive. If the tank is large enough and there are plenty of hiding places, the P. ataenia will simply dive between the branches of soft or hard corals. According to guest expert Scott Michael: I have never seen it behave aggressively toward any other fishes, including two smaller Possum Wrasses (Wetmorella spp.) I introduced it to a tank where the P. ataenia was well established. The Possum Wrasses are very similar in shape to the Pink-Streaked and one would think they could elicit aggression. On a couple of occasions, one Pink-Streaked Wrasse I kept would inspect a larger fairy wrasse as if it was going to clean it. However, I have yet to see actual cleaning.
Cautions
Wrasse are considered jumpers make sure your aquarium has a tight-fitting canopy or screen cover to prevent the Wrasse from jumping out of your aquarium. Wrasse have been known to jump through the smallest of holes in a canopy.
Wrasses prefer to have a 2″ (5cm) sandbed to allow them to burrow into the sand to sleep or when they feel like they are in danger. Some people with bare bottom tanks have also added a Tupperware with a 2″ deep sand bed to accommodate the wrasse’s needs.
They are generally peaceful but may display aggression towards members of the same species.
Cautions
Wrasse are considered jumpers make sure your aquarium has a tight-fitting canopy or screen cover to prevent the Wrasse from jumping out of your aquarium. Wrasse have been known to jump through the smallest of holes in a canopy.
Wrasses prefer to have a 2" (5cm) sandbed to allow them to burrow into the sand to sleep or when they feel like they are in danger. Some people with bare bottom tanks have also added a Tupperware with a 2" deep sand bed to accommodate the wrasse's needs.
They are generally peaceful but may display aggression towards members of the same species.
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