Swissguard Basslet

Care at a glance

Overview

A 110 litre or larger reef with deep rockwork, caves and overhangs suits it best, at 24 to 27 C and pH 8.1 to 8.4. It is peaceful and coral-safe, though it may eat tiny ornamental shrimp, and it should not be housed with other basslets. Feed small meaty foods such as mysis and enriched brine a couple of times a day. Expect it to be shy at first and to spend a lot of time near the rock.

In the wild

The swissguard basslet is a small, secretive Caribbean fish striped in red and gold. It clings to the walls and ceilings of caves and crevices, rarely straying far from cover. New arrivals hide constantly and grow bolder over weeks. It is peaceful and reef safe with everything too big to eat.

Good to know

Liopropoma rubre reaches only about 8 cm and belongs to a group of cryptic, cave-dwelling basslets. It has a high metabolism and feeds in short bursts. The genus is known for shy, reclusive behavior.

Did you know

It often swims and rests upside down under cave ceilings, treating the rock overhead as its floor.

Related species

• Candy Basslet

  Liopropoma carmabi

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• 

  Sunburst Anthias

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• 

  Chalk Bass

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• Randall's Anthias

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• 

  Bartlett's Anthias

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• 

  Dispar Anthias

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