Candy Basslet

Care at a glance

Overview

Keep it in a mature 100 litre or larger reef with abundant caves, overhangs and subdued lighting at a cooler 22 to 26 C. It is peaceful and coral-safe but will eat shrimp and crabs small enough to swallow, and it should be the only basslet in the tank. Feed small meaty foods like mysis, enriched brine and finely chopped seafood often. Provide shaded shelter so this deepwater fish settles in.

In the wild

The candy basslet is a tiny, jewel-striped Caribbean basslet in orange, red and lavender lines. It lives deep on outer reef walls in caves and overhangs, far below normal diving depth. Its beauty and deep habitat make it one of the most sought-after and expensive small marine fish. It is cryptic and cave-bound in the aquarium too.

Good to know

Liopropoma carmabi grows to only about 6 cm and is collected from reef walls often below 45 m. Reaching that depth safely is difficult, which is why single specimens command very high prices. It is a close relative of the swissguard basslet.

Did you know

Divers must descend to dangerous depths to collect it, which is the main reason a single fish can cost as much as a whole tank.

Related species

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• 

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• 

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• 

  Sunburst Anthias

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• 

  Huchtii Anthias

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