Mystery Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus ocellatus) Care Guide
Pseudocheilinus ocellatus is a cryptic Pacific reef wrasse that feeds on small benthic invertebrates and reaches about 10 cm.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pseudocheilinus ocellatus is a lined wrasse of the family Labridae, described by Randall in 1999. According to FishBase it occurs in the Pacific Ocean and reaches about 10.3 cm standard length. It is a cryptic species that prefers darker areas of coral reefs.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Pseudocheilinus
- Scientific name: Pseudocheilinus ocellatus
Habitat
FishBase describes the species as marine and reef-associated in tropical Pacific waters, recorded at depths of about 20-100 m. It is benthopelagic and remains in shadowed reef areas rather than open water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (KB): 8-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
FishBase reports that the species feeds on small benthic invertebrates, with a trophic level of about 3.5. In aquaria it is a carnivore that should be offered meaty foods several times daily.
Compatibility
A reef-associated, semi-aggressive mid-water species. The KB record lists tangs, clownfish and cardinalfish as suitable tankmates, while other lined wrasses and small shy fish should be avoided.
Breeding
FishBase records the species as oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding.
Mystery Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus ocellatus): Breeding Notes
Overview
Pseudocheilinus ocellatus, the mystery wrasse, belongs to the same genus of lined wrasses as the eight-line and four-line species. It is an Indo-Pacific, reef-associated carnivore that shelters among rockwork and is valued in the trade as a pest controller. Documented reproductive data are sparse for this secretive fish.
Sexing
As a protogynous hermaphrodite the mystery wrasse begins life as female and a dominant individual transforms into the terminal male, which grows largest and most colourful. The species' shy, cave-dwelling habit makes reliable visual sexing difficult.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Like its relatives the mystery wrasse spawns by forming a brief pair that rises off the bottom to release eggs and milt into open water. Because the fish is solitary and secretive, courtship is rarely observed and difficult to elicit in a confined system.
Egg & Fry Care
The fertilised eggs are pelagic and drift away with the current, hatching into a planktonic larval stage. No reliable home protocol exists for capturing and rearing these larvae, so aquarium animals are collected from the wild.
Common Challenges
Intolerance of other lined wrasses, a reclusive temperament and broadcast pelagic eggs combine to make captive reproduction impractical. Pairs are hard to establish, and the dispersing larvae cannot be reared with typical home equipment.