This tiny tropical fish is familiar to almost everyone who has dived Indo-Pacific reefs — from the Red Sea to French Polynesia, and from Australia to southern Japan. Quick, cautious, always on the move, it flashes past and disappears among rocks and corals in a heartbeat.
The Six-stripe Wrasse — Pseudocheilinus hexataenia — has never been a classic subject for underwater photographers. Too fast. Too shy. Gone before you even raise the camera.
And yet…
If you slow down, spend the time, and manage a clean close-up, the reward is unexpected.
Ruby-red eyes framed by two white stripes.
Fine blue and red lines painted on the snout.
Tiny golden and red speckles scattered across the cheeks.
A “pyjama” of orange and blue stripes — and that small ocellus near the tail, like a signature.
Yes, getting a close photo of such a nervous, fast fish takes experience and patience.
But they are everywhere. Which means it’s always worth trying.
Even during those moments when your guide is busy searching for the next nudibranch — don’t ignore this one.
It’s no less beautiful. And yes — still a reminder: you don’t always need a rare nudibranch to find beauty.
More information about tropical fish – Reef Fishes of the Coral Triangle book
Text and photo Andrey Ryanskiy
