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
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

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.

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.

How big does a Swissguard basslet get?

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

Related species