Mystery Wrasse

Also known as Whitebarred Wrasse

The Mystery Wrasse is a unique and attractive species displaying intricate brown, white, and orange patterning with distinctive white vertical bars. This active sand-sifting wrasse adds both beauty and functionality to reef aquariums with its natural pest control abilities.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Pseudocheilinus ocellatus
• Common Names: Mystery Wrasse, Whitebarred Wrasse
• Adult Size: Up to 5 inches
• Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; can be territorial
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe (with caution regarding small ornamental shrimp and snails)
• Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide extensive live rock with caves, crevices, and hiding spots. These wrasses are secretive and appreciate complex rockwork. Sandy substrate is beneficial but not required. Secure lid recommended as they can jump.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Good water quality required
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Quality protein skimmer
  • Adequate filtration
  • Moderate water circulation

Diet & Feeding

Mystery Wrasses are carnivorous hunters with specific dietary needs:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, enriched flake foods
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, marine cuisine
• Live Foods: Will naturally hunt flatworms, pyramidellid snails, small bristleworms, and other pests
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Special Note: Excellent natural pest control; actively hunts unwanted invertebrates in rockwork

Notes & Considerations

• Displays intricate patterns of brown, orange, and white with distinctive vertical white bars.
• Reef safe with corals;  hunt small ornamental shrimp, snails, and other small crustaceans.
• Excellent natural pest controller; actively hunts flatworms and pyramidellid snails in rockwork crevices.
• More aggressive than fairy wrasses; may harass smaller, timid fish.
• Secretive behavior; often hides in rockwork but emerges for feeding.
• Can be territorial toward other wrasses, especially similar species.
• Best added as one of the last fish to established aquariums.
• Secure lid recommended; can jump if startled.
• Not suitable for tanks with small ornamental invertebrates like sexy shrimp or small snails.
• Generally hardy once acclimated and accepts prepared foods readily.
• Active hunter that patrols rockwork searching for food.

Why Choose a Quarantined Mystery Wrasse?

Our quarantined Mystery Wrasses are already acclimated to aquarium life and accepting all prepared foods. This observation period allows us to assess temperament and ensure optimal health, giving you a robust specimen ready to provide both unique beauty and effective pest control in your reef aquarium.