Common name: Whitebarred pink wrasse
General information
The Mystery Wrasse, scientifically known as Pseudocheilinus ocellatus, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and personality to a saltwater aquarium. This species is part of the Labridae family, which is known for the cleaning behavior exhibited by many of its members. The Mystery Wrasse is easily recognized by its rich purple to blue body, accented with irregular yellow stripes and a distinctive black spot on the dorsal fin.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Solo
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrassePseudocheilinus
- SpeciesWhitebarred pink wrassePseudocheilinus ocellatus Randall, 1999
Care
Mystery Wrasses are considered moderate in terms of care. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. These wrasses are carnivorous and require a diet consisting of a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They are known for their pest control abilities, preying on small unwanted invertebrates like bristle worms and flatworms.
Reproduction
In the wild, Mystery Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male if needed, usually in the absence of a dominant male. In the aquarium, breeding Mystery Wrasses can be challenging due to their complex social structure and the need for precise environmental conditions.
Habitat
Mystery Wrasses are found in the Western Pacific, from the Great Barrier Reef to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments with plenty of live rock and coral where they can hunt and hide. These fish are typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters, where they inhabit crevices and overhangs.