Five Bar Mystery Wrasse

Pseudocheilinus ocellatus

Identification	White body crossed by five broad reddish-brown vertical bars. A distinctive ocellated (eye) spot sits at the rear of the dorsal fin. Small, secretive, and often overlooked for its flashier relatives.
Maximum Length	Up to 3.5 inches (9 cm)
Origin	Indo-Pacific
Minimum Tank Size	30 gallons
Reef Compatible	Yes — reef safe

Behavior

A shy, cryptic wrasse that spends much of its time hiding in rockwork. Despite its secretive nature, it is a voracious predator of small invertebrates, flat worms, and pyramid snails — making it very useful in reef tanks. Becomes more confident over time in a peaceful community.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore. Targets small invertebrates, flatworms, fireworms, and pyramidellid snails. Supplement with frozen mysis and brine shrimp. Rarely needs extra feeding once established in a mature reef.

Cautions

May pick at ornamental shrimp over time. Best in tanks without very small, delicate crustaceans.