Harlequin bass
Serranus tigrinus
Also known as Harlequin Basslet, Tiger Bass, Harlequin Serranus
SaltwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F
- 23–27°C
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 5.1 in
- 13 cm
- Minimum tank
- 53 gal
- 200 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Own kind
- One male per tank
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Common
- Reef safe
- Reef safe
- Family
- Serranidae
- Origin
- Western Atlantic from Florida and Bermuda through the Caribbean, over seagrass, rubble and coral reefs.
Overview
A 200 litre or larger tank with rockwork and perching spots suits it well at 23 to 27 C. It is very hardy and eats almost any meaty food, including mysis, chopped seafood and marine carnivore preparations offered once or twice a day. It leaves corals alone, so it is reef safe, but it will eat ornamental shrimp and fish small enough to swallow. Keep one per tank and pair it only with fish too large to be prey.
In the wild
The harlequin bass is a hardy Caribbean seabass patterned in black and yellow bars over rubble and reef edges. It perches on the bottom and darts out to grab passing prey. It is exceptionally tough and a good choice for beginners to marine fish. Adults hunt small crustaceans and fish.
Good to know
Serranus tigrinus commonly reaches around 10 to 13 cm in aquariums, though rare wild fish can grow larger. It is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, carrying both male and female tissue at once. The species perches and ambushes rather than cruising open water.
Did you know
Being a simultaneous hermaphrodite, two harlequin bass can pair off and take turns playing male and female during spawning.
Common questions
What size tank does a Harlequin bass need?
A Harlequin bass needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Harlequin bass need?
A Harlequin bass is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 8.1–8.4.
How big does a Harlequin bass get?
An adult Harlequin bass reaches about 5.1 in (13 cm).
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