TankBud

Swissguard basslet

Liopropoma rubre

Also known as Peppermint Basslet, Swiss Guard Basslet, Reef Basslet

SaltwaterFish

Swissguard basslet (Liopropoma rubre)
Brian Gratwicke · CC BY 2.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–81°F
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
3.1 in
8 cm
Minimum tank
29 gal
110 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Hard
Rarity
Common
Reef safe
Reef safe
Family
Serranidae
Origin
Western Atlantic from Florida and the Bahamas through the Caribbean, in caves and crevices on coral reefs.

Overview

The Swissguard basslet is a small, secretive Caribbean fish for a reef tank. It suits a reef keeper with a little experience.

Did you know

The Swissguard basslet often swims and rests upside down under cave ceilings. It treats the rock overhead as its floor.

Caring for the Swissguard basslet

A Swissguard basslet suits a reef of at least 29 gal (110 L) with deep rockwork, caves and overhangs. Keep the water at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4. Expect it to be shy at first and to spend a lot of time near the rock. New arrivals hide constantly and grow bolder over weeks.

It has a high metabolism and feeds in short bursts. Feed small meaty foods such as mysis and enriched brine shrimp a couple of times a day.

The Swissguard basslet is peaceful and reef safe with corals and with everything too big to eat. It may eat tiny ornamental shrimp, so choose tank mates with caution, and do not house it with other basslets. Breeding it is hard.

Good to know

The Swissguard basslet, Liopropoma rubre, belongs to a group of cryptic, cave-dwelling basslets in the family Serranidae. Its genus is known for shy, reclusive behavior. It is striped in red and gold, and it is also sold as the peppermint basslet.

In the wild

The Swissguard basslet lives on coral reefs in the western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas through the Caribbean. It clings to the walls of caves and crevices, rarely straying far from cover.

Common questions

What size tank does a Swissguard basslet need?

A Swissguard basslet needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Swissguard basslet need?

A Swissguard basslet is comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 8.1–8.4.

What does a Swissguard basslet eat?

A Swissguard basslet eats small meaty foods such as mysis and enriched brine shrimp, a couple of times a day. It may also eat tiny ornamental shrimp.

How big does a Swissguard basslet get?

An adult Swissguard basslet reaches about 3.1 in (8 cm).

Related species