Mystery Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus Ocellatus)

Species Name : Pseudocheilinus Ocellatus

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Blue, Pink, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.021-1.025

Max. Size : 4¾"

Origin : Marshall Islands

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 90 gallons

The Mystery Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus Ocellatus), sometimes referred to as the Whitebarred Wrasse or Fivebarred Wrasse has yellow, blue, and purple hues outlining a smile on the face. The majority of the body is reddish-maroon with thin, white vertical stripes and an eyespot surrounded by a yellowish hue on its green tail. Some younger fish will have more green in the body, which will quickly change to red in the aquarium. Mystery Wrasse can reach a maximum size of 4 3/4 inches. 

This hard to find species is suitable for a 90 gallon or larger aquarium with lots of live rock and a sandy bottom. Unlike other Wrasse, Mystery Wrasse do not bury themselves in sand. They do not need a deep sand bed. A larger tank will allow tank mates places to hide when necessary.

It is an excellent fish for a reef aquarium and passive with most popular reef fish, including other wrasses. In the aquarium, Pseudocheilinus Ocellatus may become belligerent and aggressive towards congeners. Mystery Wrasse are often kept alone to avoid possible problems with other fish and invertebrates. Exercise caution when mixing this species into a community tank. They will do best with semi-aggressive or larger species. Avoid smaller fish, shrimp, crabs or other invertebrates. Mystery will probably not harm tangs or surgeonfish. Likewise, angelfish and puffers can be good matches. Having a regular cleanup crew can be an issue as many shrimp or crabs are easy targets for a larger Mystery.

It is constantly searching for live foods in the form of small crustaceans like pyramidellid snails and commensal flatworms. When full grown, mature Mystery Wrasse may take a liking to smaller ornamental shrimp that are introduced after the wrasse is established in the reef aquarium.

Mystery Wrasse are carnivores and should be fed a diet of meaty prepared foods such as vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp and vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp.  

Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 2-1/4"; Large: 2-1/4" to 3-1/4"