Common name: Silverspots
General information
The Longfin Perchlet, Plectranthias longimanus, is a small and colorful member of the Serranidae family, known for its elongated fins and vibrant coloration. This species is not as commonly found in the aquarium trade as some other basslets, but it is highly prized by enthusiasts for its unique appearance and behavior.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers rocky overhangs
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at small fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusPlectranthiasPlectranthias
- SpeciesSilverspotsPlectranthias longimanus (Weber, 1913)
- SynonymsPteranthias longimanus Weber, 1913
Care
Longfin Perchlets are moderately easy to care for but require a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places. They are peaceful fish that can be kept with other non-aggressive species. Due to their small size, they should not be housed with large or predatory fish. A varied diet of small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is recommended to maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Plectranthias longimanus are believed to be pelagic spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. There is limited information on breeding this species in captivity, but like many marine fish, it would likely involve raising the larvae in a separate system with appropriate food and water conditions.
Habitat
Plectranthias longimanus is typically found in deep reef environments, often below recreational diving limits, which contributes to its rarity in the aquarium trade. They are known to inhabit areas with rocky substrates and crevices where they can seek refuge.
Geographically, they are distributed in the Western Pacific, with sightings around Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia.