{"product_id":"white-bar-mystery-wrasse-pseudocheilinus-cf-ocellatus","title":"White Bar Mystery Wrasse - Pseudocheilinus cf. ocellatus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe White Bar Mystery Wrasse is a striking and highly distinctive reef fish sold under the designation \u003cem\u003ePseudocheilinus cf. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e. Its deep red to burgundy body is accented by contrasting pale vertical bars, intricate facial markings, and a prominent eyespot near the rear of the body. Color intensity can vary considerably between individuals, giving this unusual Mystery Wrasse an especially dramatic appearance under reef aquarium lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe “cf.” designation indicates that this form closely resembles \u003cem\u003ePseudocheilinus ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e but is not being presented here as a definitively identified population of that species. True \u003cem\u003eP. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e is a western and central Pacific reef-associated wrasse found primarily in deeper coral reef habitats, with records from approximately 20–100 meters and a maximum reported standard length of about 10.3 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActive yet secretive, this marine aquarium fish spends much of its time weaving through rockwork, caves, and coral structure in search of small prey. Its compact adult size, bold coloration, and engaging behavior make it particularly attractive for established reef aquariums, although its territorial personality and interest in small invertebrates require thoughtful tankmate selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western and Central Pacific; exact provenance may vary for specimens sold as \u003cem\u003eP. cf. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePseudocheilinus cf. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 55-gallon aquarium provides a practical adult-size minimum for this active, territorial wrasse; aquarium references for \u003cem\u003eP. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e similarly recommend approximately 53–55 gallons or larger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature saltwater aquarium with substantial live rock arranged to create caves, shaded overhangs, narrow crevices, and multiple escape routes. \u003cem\u003ePseudocheilinus ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e is naturally associated with coral reefs and is described as a cryptic species that favors darker reef areas, making complex rockwork especially important for helping newly introduced specimens feel secure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave some open swimming room around the rock structure, but prioritize a complex environment where the fish can move in and out of cover. Unlike sand-burying wrasses, Mystery Wrasses rely primarily on reef structure for shelter, so a specialized deep sand bed is not necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003esecure, tightly fitting lid is strongly recommended\u003c\/strong\u003e. Wrasses are capable jumpers, particularly when newly introduced, startled, or chased by established tankmates. Aquarium husbandry references specifically note jumping risk for \u003cem\u003eP. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong reef-style circulation is appropriate, provided sheltered areas remain available within the rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe White Bar Mystery Wrasse is a carnivorous micro-predator that should receive a varied diet of small, protein-rich marine foods. In the aquarium, suitable offerings include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnriched brine shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCopepods and other zooplankton\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinely chopped shrimp or marine seafood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuality carnivore pellets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrozen marine blends containing small crustaceans\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall crustaceans and zooplankton are particularly appropriate foods for \u003cem\u003ePseudocheilinus\u003c\/em\u003e wrasses, which naturally forage through reef structure for small mobile prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed once or twice daily, offering appropriately sized portions. Newly acclimated individuals may initially remain close to rockwork, so placing food near their preferred shelter can encourage feeding until they become more confident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe White Bar Mystery Wrasse should be considered \u003cstrong\u003esemi-aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e. While it can coexist successfully with many established reef fish, mature individuals may become territorial, particularly toward other wrasses or fish with similar body shapes and feeding habits. Aquarium references for \u003cem\u003eP. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e likewise note that the species can show aggression toward other fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping a single specimen is the safest choice for most home aquariums. Mixing it with Six Line Wrasses, Four Line Wrasses, Eight Line Wrasses, other Mystery Wrasses, or similar \u003cem\u003ePseudocheilinus\u003c\/em\u003e species can result in persistent territorial disputes unless the aquarium is exceptionally large and carefully structured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood tankmates include appropriately sized clownfish, dwarf angelfish, tangs, rabbitfish, larger gobies, basslets, and other confident reef fish. Very small, timid, or newly introduced fish should be monitored carefully, particularly once the wrasse has established a territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe White Bar Mystery Wrasse is best classified as \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe with caution\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not normally considered a coral-eating fish, making it suitable for many mixed reef aquariums. However, its natural predatory behavior toward small crustaceans means tiny ornamental shrimp and other very small mobile invertebrates may be at risk. Aquarium references classify \u003cem\u003eP. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e as coral-compatible while also noting potential predation on small animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger established ornamental shrimp are generally less vulnerable than very small shrimp, but they cannot be guaranteed safe. Small crabs, tiny snails, worms, amphipods, copepods, and other microfauna may also be hunted as part of the wrasse's normal foraging behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorals and clams are generally not the primary concern with this species; small mobile invertebrates are the greater compatibility consideration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsistent salinity, temperature, and overall water quality are more important than continually adjusting the aquarium to reach one exact number within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaxonomic designation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The “cf.” in \u003cem\u003ePseudocheilinus cf. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e means the fish resembles \u003cem\u003eP. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e but should not be represented as a definitively identified form without further taxonomic confirmation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e True \u003cem\u003eP. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e reaches approximately 10.3 cm standard length, making it a relatively compact but active and territorial wrasse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecure lid required:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species can jump, especially during acclimation or territorial encounters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvide extensive rockwork:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caves, crevices, and shaded areas help replicate the secretive reef habitat associated with \u003cem\u003eP. ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatch small invertebrates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Although generally compatible with corals, small ornamental crustaceans and reef microfauna may be hunted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Tiny (\u003c1\")","offer_id":52108427919658,"sku":"WRASSExWBMyT","price":199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1.1-1.25\")","offer_id":50785189298474,"sku":"WRASSExWBMyS","price":229.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM (1.26-1.5\")","offer_id":52108427952426,"sku":"WRASSExWBMySM","price":229.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (1.51-1.75\")","offer_id":50785189331242,"sku":"WRASSExWBMyM","price":239.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (1.76-2\")","offer_id":52108427985194,"sku":"WRASSExWBMyML","price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (2.1-2.25\")","offer_id":50785189364010,"sku":"WRASSExWBMyL","price":259.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (2.26-5\")","offer_id":52108428017962,"sku":"WRASSExWBMyXL","price":269.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX (2.51-2.75\")","offer_id":52108428050730,"sku":"WRASSExWBMyXX","price":289.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW (2.76-3.25\")","offer_id":52108428083498,"sku":"WRASSExWBMySH","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/MysteryWrasse1.png?v=1786931468","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/white-bar-mystery-wrasse-pseudocheilinus-cf-ocellatus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}