Common name: squatter

General information

The Blue Assessor, Assessor macneilli, is a small and peaceful marine fish that is a member of the family Plesiopidae. It is known for its unique swimming behavior, often seen swimming upside down or at odd angles, which adds a quirky charm to the aquarium. This species has a striking blue coloration that can vary from a deep royal blue to a lighter sky blue, depending on the lighting and the individual fish.

Care

Blue Assessors are relatively easy to care for and can be a good choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and caves for hiding. These fish are not aggressive and can be kept with a variety of tank mates, but they do best in a peaceful community. They are carnivorous and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Blue Assessors are not commonly bred, and there is limited information on their breeding habits. However, like many marine fish, they are likely to be egg layers with pelagic larvae.

Habitat

Assessor macneilli is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. They prefer reef environments and are typically found at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. In the wild, they often inhabit caves and overhangs, which should be replicated in the home aquarium to provide a sense of security.