Tobacco Basslet
(Serranus tabacarius)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 7″
Color Form: Black, Orange, White
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Atlantic
Family: Grammidae

The Tobacco Basslet is alternately referred to as the Tobacco Fish, or Tobacco Bass, and is common in the tropical Western Atlantic. The body is a light gray on the bottom and a black and silver mottled pattern dorsally, split from each other by an orange band.

This basslet is a hardy aquarium species and kept in a reef with caution. It can pose a threat to small crustaceans and fish, especially damselfish, gobies, and blennies. A single individual should be maintained in a minimum of a 55 gallon tank, while more than one requires at least 100 gallons. Even so, the Tobacco Fish may try to dominate smaller members of the same species. It is best to introduce the Tobacco Basslet into the aquarium at the same time as other fish.

True of all members of the Serranus genus, the Tobacco Basslet is hermaphroditic.

As a carnivore, the Tobacco Basslet will thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as finely chopped fresh or frozen marine fish, squid, mysis shrimp, and frozen carnivore preparations.

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Swissguard Basslet
(Liopropoma rubre)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 3″
Color Form: Red
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Atlantic
Family: Grammidae
Swim Level: Bottom

A prized aquarium member, the Swissguard Basslet, or Peppermint Basslet is a beautiful fish. Its elongated body of red is adorned with alternating horizontal stripes of black and mustard-yellow, although in some lighting the black can actually appear silver. The dorsal and caudal fins have large black tips rimmed in a pale blue.

An excellent reef-dwelling fish, the Swissguard Basslet may only pose a threat to smaller, ornamental crustaceans. Provide at least a 10 gallon tank for a single individual.

As a carnivore, the Swissguard Basslet will thrive on a diet of meaty foods including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp, and quality frozen preparations.

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Swales Swissguard Basslet
(Liopropoma swalesi)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 3″
Color Form: Black, Blue, Orange, Purple, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Grammidae

The Swales Swissguard Basslet, or Pacific Candy Basslet, is a beautiful addition to any saltwater aquarium. Its elongated body is adorned with alternating horizontal stripes of purple and orange. The dorsal and caudal fins have large black spots rimmed in a pale blue or purple.

An excellent reef-dwelling fish, the Swales Swissguard Basslet may only pose a threat to smaller, ornamental crustaceans. Provide at least a 10 gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock for a single individual.

As a carnivore, the Swales Swissguard Basslet will thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as finely chopped fresh or frozen marine fish, squid, mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen carnivore preparations. Feed at least twice a day.

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Royal Gramma Basslet
(Gramma loreto)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 3″
Color Form: Purple, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Pacific
Family: Grammidae

The Royal Gramma Basslet brings an explosion of color to any saltwater aquarium. It has a bright purple to violet colored anterior contrasted by a vibrant yellow posterior. Coveted for both its unique color pattern and relatively small adult size, Gramma loreto is well suited for small nano reef systems.

Native to the deep-water reefs of the Caribbean, this member of the Grammidae family prefers extensive rockwork caves in which to hide and somewhat subdued lighting. Since it demonstrates territorial aggression towards its own kind, the Royal Gramma Basslet should be housed singly. However, most Royal Gramma Basslets are peaceful towards tankmates of similar size and temperament.

For the best care, keep the Royal Gramma Basslet in reef systems of at least 30 gallons. Since it is a carnivore, feed a varied diet of meaty fare, including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp, and quality frozen preparations.

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Lantern Bass
(Serranus baldwini)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 3″
Color Form: Black, Orange, Red, Tan
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Atlantic
Family: Serranidae

The Lantern Bass, from the Caribbean, is one of the smaller bass within this family, and is a great fish for beginners. The body is mottled with orange, black and brown markings, and is elongated in form. These fish are very disease resistant, and should not be kept in an aquarium with small shrimp or fish.

A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding is ideal for the Lantern bass. They can be aggressive towards other smaller fish, and multiple specimens can be added to the aquarium, as long as it is at the same time. They will not pick at corals or sessile invertebrates, and are a great fish for the reef aquarium that does not contain small fish or shrimp.

An extremely hardy fish, the Lantern Bass requires a diet consisting of a variety of chopped meaty items, vitamin enriched brine and mysis shrimp and flake foods.

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