Basslets
Basslets are a popular choice among reef hobbyists due to their vibrant colors, relatively small size, and hardy nature. These fish belong to the family Serranidae and are primarily found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly around the Caribbean. They are known for their striking color patterns, which can range from bright reds and oranges to deep purples and blues, making them a visually appealing addition to any aquarium.
One of the most well-known species within this category is the Gramma loreto, which is famous for its vivid purple and yellow coloration. Another popular species is the Gramma melacara, recognized by its deep purple body and black cap on its head. Basslets are generally peaceful fish, making them suitable for community tanks, although they can be territorial, especially towards their own kind.
In terms of care, Basslets are relatively easy to maintain. They thrive in well-established tanks with plenty of hiding spots, such as live rock formations and coral structures. A tank size of at least 120 liter (30 gallons) is recommended to provide ample space for swimming and territory establishment. Basslets are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality marine foods, including frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
One interesting aspect of Basslets is their reproductive behavior. Many species are known to be protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex from female to male. This adaptation can be particularly fascinating to observe in a well-maintained aquarium environment.
Overall, Basslets are a colorful and hardy addition to any reef or marine aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and interesting behavioral traits.
- Common name: YellowdevilfishScientific name: Assessor flavissimus
- Common name: squatterScientific name: Assessor macneilli
- Common name: Randall's AssessorScientific name: Assessor randalli
- Common name: red barbierScientific name: Baldwinella vivanus
- Common name: Orangespotted soapfishScientific name: Belonoperca pylei
- Common name: Brazilian bassletScientific name: Gramma brasiliensis
- Common name: Golden BassletScientific name: Gramma dejongi
- Common name: Yellowlined bassletScientific name: Gramma linki
- Common name: fairy bassletScientific name: Gramma loreto
- Common name: blackcap bassletScientific name: Gramma melacara
- Common name: Yellow-belly hamletScientific name: Hypoplectrus aberrans
- Common name: SheepheadScientific name: Hypoplectrus chlorurus
- Common name: Blue hamletScientific name: Hypoplectrus gemma
- Common name: Shy hamletScientific name: Hypoplectrus guttavarius
- Common name: Indigo hamletScientific name: Hypoplectrus indigo
- Common name: Black hamletScientific name: Hypoplectrus nigricans
- Common name: Barred hamletScientific name: Hypoplectrus puella
- Common name: Bad lucksScientific name: Hypoplectrus unicolor
- Common name: African bassletScientific name: Liopropoma africanum
- Common name: Yellowmargin bassletScientific name: Liopropoma aurora
- Common name: candy bassletScientific name: Liopropoma carmabi
- Common name: wrasse bassScientific name: Liopropoma eukrines
- Common name: Wrasse ass bassScientific name: Liopropoma fasciatum
- Common name: Pinstriped bassletScientific name: Liopropoma mitratum
- Common name: Harlequin BassScientific name: Liopropoma mowbrayi
- Common name: Yellow reef bassletScientific name: Liopropoma multilineatum
- Common name: Peppermint BassletScientific name: Liopropoma rubre
- Common name: Striped bassletScientific name: Liopropoma susumi
- Common name: Swales' bassletScientific name: Liopropoma swalesi
- Common name: spotfin bassletScientific name: Lipogramma anabantoides
- Common name: Banded bassletScientific name: Lipogramma evides
- Common name: Bicolor bassletScientific name: Lipogramma klayi
- Common name: Royal bassletScientific name: Lipogramma regia
- Common name: Rosy bassletScientific name: Lipogramma rosea
- Common name: Three-line BassletScientific name: Lipogramma trilineata
- Common name: Pink dottybackScientific name: Lubbockichthys multisquamatus
- Common name: Tanaka's dottybackScientific name: Lubbockichthys tanakai
- Common name: Northern blue devilScientific name: Paraplesiops poweri
- Common name: Two-spined soapfishScientific name: Rypticus bistrispinus
- Common name: orangeback bassScientific name: Serranus annularis
- Common name: lantern bassScientific name: Serranus baldwini
- Common name: RedfishScientific name: Serranus scriba
- Common name: Golden fishScientific name: Serranus tabacarius
- Common name: chalk bassScientific name: Serranus tortugarum