Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Mystery Wrasse - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Mystery Wrasse at a glance
Adult size: 4 inches · Min tank/pond: 55 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: carnivore · Lifespan: 5-10 years.
Mystery Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus ocellatus) is a popular saltwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of stable-tank experience.
Where Mystery Wrasse comes from
Mystery Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus ocellatus) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems. Wild populations distribute across coral reefs from East Africa through Indonesia, the Philippines, and into the western Pacific. Captive-bred Mystery Wrasse is increasingly available and is the more sustainable choice when you can find it.
Mystery Wrasse tank size and setup
Mystery Wrasse requires a minimum of 55 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 4 inches adult size and territorial range. For Mystery Wrasse, plan a mature reef tank with stable parameters, sand bed, live rock for cover, and reef LED if photosynthetic.
Water parameters for Mystery Wrasse
Mystery Wrasse requires standard reef parameters: temperature 76-80°F, specific gravity 1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-9 dKH, calcium 420-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 10 ppm. Use a refractometer (not hydrometer) to measure salinity.
What Mystery Wrasse eats
Mystery Wrasse is a carnivore. Provide frozen mysis, brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food triggers feeding response in stressed arrivals. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Mystery Wrasse tankmates and compatibility
Mystery Wrasse is best paired with peaceful reef-tank species in similar size class. Avoid known fin-nippers and large aggressive species.
Mystery Wrasse adult size and lifespan
Mystery Wrasse reaches 4 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-10 years with proper care.
Can you breed Mystery Wrasse?
Mystery Wrasse breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward to very difficult. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities.
Common Mystery Wrasse diseases and problems
Mystery Wrasse is susceptible to ich, velvet, marine flukes, and bacterial infections. Quarantine new Mystery Wrasse for 4-6 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Mystery Wrasse online
Mystery Wrasse is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Mystery Wrasse from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related saltwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Mystery Wrasse taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.