Common name: Randall's Assessor

General information

Randall's Assessor, also known as the Yellow Assessor or Blue Assessor, is a small and colorful marine fish that is a member of the family Plesiopidae. It is named after the ichthyologist John E. Randall. This species is known for its unique swimming behavior, often seen swimming upside down or at odd angles, which is thought to help them navigate the complex reef structures where they live.

Care

The Yellow Assessor is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They require an aquarium with plenty of rockwork and caves to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding places. They are peaceful fish and can be kept with a variety of tank mates, but should not be housed with aggressive species that may bully or outcompete them for food.

Reproduction

In the wild, Assessors are egg-layers, and they exhibit a unique breeding behavior where they spawn in caves or overhangs, attaching their eggs to the roof. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but with a well-established pair, spawning may occur. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

Randall's Assessor is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. They prefer deeper reef slopes and lagoons, typically at depths ranging from 10 to 70 meters.