In the wild this wrasse is a carnivore that works reef surfaces for small benthic invertebrates and crustacean microfauna, including copepods, amphipods, worms, flatworms, and pyramidellid snails. That hunting instinct carries over into the aquarium, where the fish spends much of the day probing rockwork and sand margins for anything small enough to swallow.
Offer a varied carnivorous menu built from frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped krill, shrimp, squid, clam, mussel, and fish flesh, supplemented with carnivore preparations and small marine pellets or flakes. In fish-only systems, feed at least once daily, or divide the ration into small portions given several times a day. In an established reef where natural grazing is productive, less frequent supplemental feeding is usually sufficient. Watch newly acquired specimens closely and confirm that boisterous tankmates are not preventing them from reaching food.
Choose reasonably assertive, dissimilar tankmates that are too small-mouthed to swallow a 4-inch wrasse. Dottybacks, grammas, and firefish are risky companions because they compete for the same crevice-dwelling niche, and very shy fish may be harassed, although some keepers report it coexisting calmly with a broad range of common reef fish. Corals and other sessile invertebrates are left alone, so it is a reef-safe choice, but mobile invertebrates deserve caution. Mature fish may take small ornamental shrimp, small crabs, benthic microfauna, and some cleanup-crew animals. Its appetite for flatworms and pyramidellid snails can be a genuine asset, though it should not be relied upon to clear an established pest population.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Mystery Wrasse
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How large should the aquarium be for a Mystery Wrasse?
Plan on at least 55 gallons for an adult. The priority is extensive rockwork with caves and overhangs paired with open swimming lanes, plus a tightly secured lid. -
Is the Mystery Wrasse safe for a reef aquarium?
Yes, it leaves corals and other sessile invertebrates alone. Mature fish may still prey on small ornamental shrimp, small crabs, pyramidellid snails, and other small mobile invertebrates. -
What tankmates should be avoided?
Avoid conspecifics, closely related or similarly shaped wrasses, and very shy fish, along with dottybacks, grammas, and firefish that use the same crevice niche. Favor assertive, dissimilar species with mouths too small to swallow the wrasse.
