Mystery Wrasse

Mystery Wrasse: The Deepwater Jewel

The Mystery Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus ocellatus), also known as the Whitebarred Wrasse or Tail-Spot Wrasse, is a highly prized member of the Pseudocheilinus genus. Its vibrant coloration—a mix of reddish-maroon, yellow, and iridescent blue/purple with thin vertical white bars—and shy, yet assertive, personality make it a favorite for established reef aquariums.

Unlike its shallow-water cousin, the Six-Line Wrasse, the Mystery Wrasse naturally inhabits the deeper reef slopes of the Indo-Pacific, which contributes to its higher price and sometimes cryptic behavior when first introduced. Once acclimated, it is a constantly active fish, weaving through the rockwork as it hunts for food.

The Mystery Wrasse is valued not only for its beauty but also for its utility in pest control, as it is known to consume nuisance flatworms and pyramidellid snails.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This species is a dedicated Carnivore that feeds primarily on small benthic invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild. In the aquarium, it requires a varied diet of meaty foods, including vitamin-enriched mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality sinking pellets.
• Feeding: Due to its high metabolism and active nature, the Mystery Wrasse must be fed 2 to 3 times per day in small portions.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally considered Reef Safe With Caution. While it will not harm corals or anemones, it may pose a risk to small, ornamental shrimp (such as smaller cleaner shrimp or sexy shrimp) and miniature snails or crabs. Its known appetite for pyramidellid snails and flatworms is a major benefit for coral keepers.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Assertive. It is territorial, especially with newcomers and fish that resemble it. Do not house the Mystery Wrasse with other wrasses from the Pseudocheilinus genus (e.g., Six-Line Wrasse). It is best added after less aggressive fish have established themselves and should be the sole wrasse of its kind in the tank.
• Aquarium Cover: A tight-fitting, secure lid is mandatory. Like all wrasses, the Mystery Wrasse is an expert jumper, especially when startled.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pseudocheilinus ocellatus
• Primary Common Name: Mystery Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Whitebarred Wrasse, Tail-Spot Wrasse
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Marshall Islands, Coral Sea, Japan)
• Max Size: 4-5 inches (10-13 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Assertive
• Diet: Carnivore (Small inverts, zooplankton)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75-90 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Safe with corals; may eat small shrimp/snails)