Mystery Wrasse (South Pacific)

Wrasses are prone to jumping from the aquarium when startled or excited so we recommend a secure lid. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Most species may be kept in pairs or harems as long as they are added together or females first. They do not appreciate living with other species of wrasse, so any aquarium with several species must be large enough and the most peaceful species added first.

They should be fed two to three times a day plenty of high quality meaty items, frozen Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, marine algae and Spirulina.

Lined wrasses are easy to keep and have active personalities. They are easy to feed and usually learn to take dry foods, as well as have big appetites for invertebrates, especially shrimp; however larger species may attack other crustaceans, snails, and worms. They may also eat several pests of corals and clams including flatworms, bristleworms and pyramid snails. They do not bother corals or anemones.

At night time lined wrasses hide in the rockwork and wrap themselves in a mucus cocoon to hide their scent from predators. This cocoon may be visible in the morning, and will soon dissipate into the water, and a new cocoon created each night.

A rare treasure from Hawaii, the Mystery wrasse is a spectacularly colored fish. Overall it is a deep coral pink with fine rose colored bars. Bright yellow stripes highlight its face, and a single purple stripe under its eye makes it appear to always be smiling. Its rear fins are violet, with a beautiful dark eyespot at the base of its tail surrounded by yellow. Its fins are covered in tiny iridescent speckles like jewels. Males and females are identical. They may bully other fish, especially passive species or those with a similar shape; we do not recommend keeping them with small species such as flasher wrasses. It is also called the 5 line wrasse. It grows up to 4.5 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 50 gallons.