Mystery Wrasse

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About Mystery Wrasse

The Mystery Wrasse is a stunning and highly sought-after reef fish known for its bright pink to red body, intricate white markings and vivid yellow-orange accents. Its striking pattern makes it a standout addition to an established marine aquarium.

Mystery Wrasses are active, intelligent and inquisitive fish that spend much of their time exploring rockwork, caves and crevices. They are generally hardy once established but can be territorial, particularly towards other wrasses with similar body shapes.

They are carnivorous and should be offered a varied diet of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, krill and quality marine pellets.

Mystery Wrasses are generally reef safe with corals, although they may prey upon very small ornamental crustaceans and other tiny invertebrates. A secure lid is strongly recommended as they can jump when startled.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Pseudocheilinus ocellatus
Common Name: Mystery Wrasse / Whitebarred Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Type: Marine Fish / Wrasse
Adult Size: Approximately 10–12 cm
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 200 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Carnivore
Tank Level: All Levels / Rockwork
Reef Safe: Yes, with caution around small invertebrates
Suitable For: Mature reef aquariums and marine community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mystery Wrasses reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe with corals, although very small shrimp and other tiny ornamental invertebrates may be at risk.

How big does a Mystery Wrasse get?

They can reach approximately 10–12 cm as adults.

Are Mystery Wrasses aggressive?

They can be territorial, particularly towards other wrasses with similar body shapes or towards newly introduced fish. Plenty of rockwork and hiding places can help establish territories.

What do Mystery Wrasses eat?

They are carnivores and readily accept mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood, krill and quality marine pellets.

Can Mystery Wrasses be kept with other wrasses?

They can be, but careful consideration is needed. Avoid combining them with highly similar or overly aggressive wrasses, particularly in smaller aquariums.

Do Mystery Wrasses jump?

Yes. A secure lid or mesh cover is strongly recommended.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them with small ornamental shrimp
Their natural predatory behaviour means tiny crustaceans may become prey.

Adding multiple similar wrasses
Territorial disputes can occur between similarly shaped species.

Not providing enough rockwork
Caves and crevices provide important shelter and territory.

Keeping them with very timid fish
Their confident personality can cause stress for extremely passive tank mates.

Leaving the aquarium uncovered
Wrasses can jump when startled or stressed.

Adding one to an immature aquarium
A mature, stable reef aquarium is preferable for long-term success.