Description

The Pseudocheilinus evanidus is one of the more reclusive species in the Pseudocheilinus genus (which also includes the more common, and often more aggressive, Six-Line Wrasse).

Colouration: They are a stunning deep red or maroon base colour with faint, fine horizontal white or pale blue stripes (the “pin stripes”) running along their body. They often have a pale blue marking below the eye.

Cryptic Nature: They earned the name “Disappearing Wrasse” because they spend most of their time skulking among the live rock and rubble, constantly foraging. Unlike sand-burrowing wrasses, this species hides in a rock crevice to sleep and when stressed, often becoming invisible for days or weeks, especially when first introduced.

Foraging and Diet: They are excellent natural pest controllers. They actively hunt and prey on small benthic invertebrates. Aquarists find them valuable for controlling:

• • Bristleworms

  • Nuisance Flatworms (such as Planaria)

  • Pyramidellid Snails (which are pests that feed on clams and certain corals).

Aquarium Care and Requirements

Live Rock and Hiding Places: This fish needs a substantial amount of live rock with numerous caves, holes, and crevices to feel secure and to forage. A sparsely decorated tank will stress them out and can increase aggression toward tank mates as they fight for limited territory.

Feeding: Due to their high metabolism and active foraging, they need to be fed small amounts of meaty food several times a day.

Acceptable Foods: Vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, enriched copepods, and other meaty foods. They may also learn to accept high-quality marine flakes or pellets.

Tank Security: You must have a tight-fitting lid or screen top. Wrasses, particularly those in the Pseudocheilinus genus, are notorious jumpers and will exploit the smallest gap to escape.

Compatibility and Temperament

While small and generally peaceful, their territorial and secretive nature can lead to aggression toward specific fish types:

Aggression: They can be semi-aggressive toward other small, peaceful, or similar-bodied fish, particularly if those fish also spend time near the rockwork. This includes:

• • Other wrasse species (especially those in the Pseudocheilinus genusnever mix this wrasse with a Six-Line Wrasse, Four-Line Wrasse, etc.).

  • Dartfish, Blennies, or Gobies.

  • Introduction: It is strongly recommended to introduce the Disappearing Wrasse last to the aquarium to prevent it from establishing a hyper-aggressive territory among the rockwork before other, more docile fish are added.

  • Reef Safety: They are safe with corals (including LPS and soft corals) but may occasionally pick at small ornamental shrimps or snails, especially if they are smaller than the wrasse.

Do you have any follow-up questions about setting up a secure tank for this wrasse or how to handle its secretive nature when you first introduce it?