11-12-30 Fish of the week - Its a mystery

[Mark Shelly]

The Fish of the Week is the Mystery Wrasse. It may be found across the Pacific Ocean at depths along the outer reefs. Pseudocheilinus ocellatus has thin vertical lines (kind of unusual for wrasses), often with yellow around the eyes and a defining tail spot. It has face markings, like many wrasses. It was only discovered about 18 years ago, eats during the day, and may sleep in a cocoon at night (presumably to hide its scent). They eat pyramidellid snails, bristly worms and flatworms, but don’t count on it to save your clams. It has been known to eat shrimp, snails and crabs in aquariums, even though it only gets about 4-1/2 inches long. Take a little time to surf pictures of mystery wrasses to see the wide range of color.

The pictures are from reefs.com/fish/mystery Wrasse and vividaquariums.com/products/mystery-wrasse.





There are a few decent videos of this fish as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-CkvsInsT4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5Tzw9FwSG0

 

[Mark Shelly]

If you send me a picture of an identified reef inhabitant, I will try to use it. I like to take pictures, but have few items in my tank.

 

[Mark Shelly]

I couldn't correct the date, but did allow more choices on the poll.

 

[Trio91]

Reef Safe? Peaceful?

 

[Mark Shelly]

Some say yes, but like many wrasses, may eat your crabs or snails, especially if added after it was introduced. I saw no mention of it harming corals.