Lineatus Wrasse - Facts On The Lineatus Wrasse

Scientific Name : Cirrhilabrus Lineatus
Origin : Australia, Southwest Pacific
Temperament : Peaceful
Temperature : 72F - 82F
Maximum Size : 4 Inches
Diet : Carnivore
Difficulty : Medium
Reef Safe : Yes
Tank Size : 100 Gallons Minimum

The Lineatus Wrasse is another beautiful member of the fairy wrasse family. Their common names include the Purple Lined Fairy Wrasse as well as the Lavender Wrasse. The given scientific name for this species is Cirrhilabrus Lineatus.

They are only found in Australia and the southwestern pacific ocean. Like the Flame Wrasse and the Rhomboid Wrasse,the lineatus wrasse is quite pricey and typically goes for anywhere between $150-$250 depending on gender and size. Expect large Supermale specimens to fetch $250 and beyond. Like all members of the genus Cirrhilabrus, the males and females are easy to tell apart. The clue lies in size and coloration. Males are almost always bigger than females and display vibrant coloration. Females on the other hand are usually pale and have clear dorsal, caudal and anal fins. Females are also much cheaper as males due to their coloration.

The Lineatus Wrasse typically reaches four inches in length with females usually coming in at half that size. As such, an aquarium no smaller than a 100 gallons should be used. It is important to note that all members of the fairy wrasse family are jumpers.

Because of this, you need to ensure the aquarium is covered somehow. Failure to take this precaution into consideration will result in a very dry and very dead flame wrasse on the floor.

As a member of the fairy wrasse family, the Lineatus wrasse spends most of its time consuming plankton from the water column. In captivity however, they can be taught to consume a wide variety of food items. Generally speaking, they are not finicky eaters and should warm up to meaty offerings given enough time. They can even be taught to eat pellets.

Offer them a variety of meaty and dry foods. If you can get them on a good pellet food like those produced by New Life Spectrum, you are safe. Mysis shrimp, Krill and meaty mixes like Prime Reef should be offered as well.

The social structure of the Lineatus wrasse is not unlike angelfish from the genus Centropyge. A single male is typically found with up to four females in the wild. The harem is controlled by the male until the time of his death.

When such an event occurs, the most dominant female in the harem will begin changing into a male and will assume the duties and characteristics of a male once the transformation is complete. From time to time, you may come across the term "supermale". A supermale is an alpha male in charge of a large harem that may include other smaller males. Generally speaking, supermales tend to be larger specimens with brilliant coloration and well developed finnage.

Spawning does occur in captivity with some regularity as can be seen in the video on the right. However, there have been no reports of captive raised Lineatus Wrasse specimens as of yet.

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