Starry Eye Possum Wrasse

The Starry Eye Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella albofasciata) is a small pygmy wrasse with a red-burgundy base color, crisp white bands, and a distinctive eye marking that gives the “starry eye” look. It tends to work tight to the rockwork, adding steady motion along caves and ledges in reef and nano reef aquariums.

What You’ll Observe:

• Short, hovering “patrol” routes through the rockwork, with frequent pauses under overhangs
• Quick, precise pecking at the rocks as it searches for tiny food items
• More open swimming as it learns your feeding schedule and tank routines
• Most activity focused around the rockscape rather than open-water cruising

Provide a mature reef with plenty of live rock, caves, and overhangs so it can cruise and forage between feedings. Offer small meaty foods (mysis, enriched brine, finely chopped seafood) in several small feedings, and broadcast some food near the rock so it can grab pieces as it patrols. A snug-fitting lid helps keep this wrasse in the display and supports a smooth transition into your tank.

Will I see my Starry Eye Possum Wrasse all day, or does it stay in the rockwork a lot?
Many keepers see it spending most of its time along caves and ledges, especially early on. Over time it usually becomes a more regular “out and about” rockwork patroller.

Do they usually learn to eat pellets or flakes, or should I expect frozen foods long-term?
A lot of owners start with frozen foods like mysis, then transition to small pellets once the fish is fully settled. Offering tiny pellets at the same time each day helps it recognize them as food.

Do I need to add copepods, or is normal feeding enough?
In well-established tanks, it will often graze naturally between meals, but it should still get regular prepared foods. Adding pods can be a helpful bonus, especially in newer systems.

Can I keep more than one possum wrasse together?
In many home reef setups, a single specimen is the simplest route. If trying a pair, success is most common in larger tanks with lots of broken line-of-sight and multiple hiding zones.

How can I tell Wetmorella albofasciata apart from similar possum wrasses at the store?
Hobbyists often distinguish albofasciata by the characteristic eye-line pattern (commonly described as an “X” or crossing mark near the eye) along with the overall banding pattern.

Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.