Common name: Golden fish

Scientific name: Serranus tabacarius (Cuvier, 1829)
Tobaccofish in a coral reefTobaccofish (Serranus tabacarius)
Tobaccofish fish hovering about the seascapeTobaccofish fish hovering about the seascape

General information

The Tobacco Basslet, scientifically known as Serranus tabacarius, is a small, colorful fish that is popular among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. It is known for its distinctive coloration, which includes a mix of yellow, brown, and white hues, often with a series of darker vertical bars along its body. This species is part of the Serranidae family, which includes groupers and sea basses.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
13 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Hardy, but needs hiding places
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys varied meaty foods
Social
Pair Can be kept in pairs or singly
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May be territorial with similar fish
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Groupers
    Serranidae
  6. Genus
    Serranus basses
    Serranus
  7. Species
    Golden fish
    Serranus tabacarius (Cuvier, 1829)
  8. Synonyms
    Centropristes tabacarius Cuvier, 1829

Care

Tobacco Basslets are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding places. These fish are carnivorous and require a diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They are generally peaceful but can become territorial with their own kind or similar-sized fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Tobacco Basslets are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males if needed. In the aquarium, breeding is not commonly observed, but if conditions are right, they may spawn. The eggs are pelagic, floating in the water column until they hatch.

Habitat

Tobacco Basslets are found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, typically at depths ranging from 10 to 50 meters. In the aquarium, they require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons to provide adequate space for swimming and territories.