Saltwater Basslets|Aquarium Basslets| Marine Aquarium Basslets

Basslets

Basslets are a small family of marine fish. Most species of basslet rarely exceed 2-1/2 to 3 inches in captivity and are known for their vibrant colors, hardiness, and peaceful behavior. They come in shades of red, yellow, orange, purple, tan, black and white. There are two genera of Basslet species, the Gramma and Lipogramma. A popular choice among most marine aquarists they can be housed in any saltwater aquarium including reef and nano reef aquariums. As deep water dwellers they prefer aquariums with plenty of coral and rock cover and lower levels of lighting. If you wish to keep more than one Basslet, because of the territorial behavior make sure the tank is large enough. Each one will claim a small territory including a hiding place as its own and will fight other basslets viciously for these territories. Additionally if you are adding more than one Basslet too your aquarium it is very important to introduce them to the aquarium at the same time. When first introduced to the aquarium it is not uncommon for these fish to spend days, if not weeks, hiding in caves and crevices before feeling comfortable enough to explore their new habitat. Basslets are carnivores and will readily accept frozen meaty foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.

Some Interesting Facts About Basslets

Basslets can change their gender from female to male.

All the tropic members of this family are called Fairy Basslets.

The male fish of this family are more brightly colored than the females.

The average weight of these fishes is 1-2 ounces.

Basslets breed at dusk so that they can avoid predators.

Special Note:
When you see "Aquarium Conditioned" on one of our featured saltwater fish, it means the fish have gone through our Aquarium Conditioning Process which is from 15 days to 30 days long, depending on species. During this time the arriving ocean fresh fish first go through Quarantine, then go into our aquarium life systems. In our aquarium life systems they will get used to aquarium life and we work on getting them to eat well through a special process we use to change ocean fresh saltwater fish over to our aquarium conditioned fish. The process includes enough time to let us have confidence sending marine fish to you knowing they will do well in proper aquarium conditions and they will also eat well, which are the two most important factors if you expect a long life saltwater aquarium fish.

9 Results

Aquarium Conditioned
Swalesi Basslet
Liopropoma swalesi
Picture of Swalesi Basslet

Identification: Liopropoma Swalesi is a small deep water basslet commonly found around the waters of Indonesia. It looks like other members of the genus Liopropoma, sleek, streamlined, with a body shape that resembles an arrowhead. It rarely tops 3 inches while most specimens come at 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches in size. Common names include the Pacific Candy Basslet, Swalesi Basslet, Swales Swissguard Basslet. An excellent reef fish, the Swalesi Basslet may only pose a threat to smaller, ornamental crustaceans such as such as porcelain crabs, anemone shrimp, etc.

Tank Recommendations: Provide at least a 10 gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock for a single individual. Basslets prefer a tank with lots of rock work to hide in and sleep. Since it is found in the deeper waters of the Caribbean, it needs areas of the tank to have lower light levels either through less bright aquarium lighting or cave areas that hide it from the bright lighting. Though perfectly friendly and peaceful with tank mates of close size, the basslets territorial with their own species. That means it will be aggressive toward another Swalesi Basslet so we suggest only one per tank.

Food and diet: Basslets adapt very quickly to frozen foods after just a few days. Carnivores they mainly feed on crustaceans found on the sandy bottom of its natural environment. In the aquarium they should be fed a variety of meaty food items such as live, frozen, freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and silver sides. They will also readily accept carnivore/omnivore (Spirulina based) pellets. Feeding should be 1 to 2 times per day and only what will be consumed within a few minutes.

Level of Care: Moderate

Acclimaton Time: 3+ hours

Reef Compatibility : Excellent

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: up to 1" Medium: 1" to 1-3/4" Large: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"

Small$99.99 Medium $109.99
Large $139.99

Aquarium Conditioned
Royal Gramma Basslet
Gramma loreto

YouTube Video of Royal Gramma Basslet

Identification: One of the real beauties of the sea, the Royal Gramma is found throughout the reef areas of the Caribbean. A popular addition to both smaller and larger aquariums, its adult size is fairly small reaching a maxium size in the ocean of only around 3 inches and slightly less in an aquarium when full grown. Quite hardy,it is one of the easiest, most colorful, and most popular of the basslets. It is an excellent choice for a reef aquarium, and since it remains small, is perfect for small reef systems.

Tank Recommendations: Provide at least a 10 gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock for a single individual. Basslets prefer a tank with lots of rock work to hide in and sleep. Since it is found in the deeper waters of the Caribbean, it needs areas of the tank to have lower light levels either through less bright aquarium lighting or cave areas that hide it from the bright lighting. Though perfectly friendly and peaceful with tank mates of close size, the basslets territorial with their own species. That means it will be aggressive toward another Royal Gramma Basslet so we suggest only one per tank.

Food and diet: Basslets adapt very quickly to frozen foods after just a few days. Carnivores they mainly feed on crustaceans found on the sandy bottom of its natural environment. In the aquarium they should be fed a variety of meaty food items such as live, frozen, freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and silver sides. They will also readily accept carnivore/omnivore (Spirulina based) pellets. Feeding should be 1 to 2 times per day and only what will be consumed within a few minutes.

Level of Care: Easy

Acclimaton Time: 3+ hours

Reef Compatibility : Excellent

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 1-3/4"; Large: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"

Small$19.99 Medium $24.99
Large $34.99

Aquarium Conditioned
Chalk Basslet
Serranus tortugarum
Picture of Chalk Basslet

YouTube Video of the Chalk Basslet

Identification: The Chalk Basslet is a peaceful, very sturdy aquarium fish from the Caribbean. It is one of the smallest of the basslet's, and an excellent selection for a beginner fish. Not aggressive toward any other fish, therefore it is recommended that they are best kept with peaceful tank mates. Chalk Basslet live together in groups, and will do so in the aquarium, just add them simultaneously to an aquarium with plenty of hiding places such as live rock would provide. They like to float in place or hover over rubble, silty or sandy bottoms. The body of the Chalk Basslet is orange with a mid section of purple and vertical bands of bright blue going up and down.

Tank Recommendations: Provide at least a 10 gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock for a single individual. Basslets prefer a tank with lots of rock work to hide in and sleep. Since it is found in the deeper waters of the Caribbean, it needs areas of the tank to have lower light levels either through less bright aquarium lighting or cave areas that hide it from the bright lighting. Though perfectly friendly and peaceful with tank mates of close size, the basslets territorial with their own species. That means it will be aggressive toward another Chalk Basslet so we suggest only one per tank.

Food and diet: Basslets adapt very quickly to frozen foods after just a few days. Carnivores they mainly feed on crustaceans found on the sandy bottom of its natural environment. In the aquarium they should be fed a variety of meaty food items such as live, frozen, freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and silver sides. They will also readily accept carnivore/omnivore (Spirulina based) pellets. Feeding should be 1 to 2 times per day and only what will be consumed within a few minutes.

Level of Care: Easy

Acclimaton Time: 3+ hours

Reef Compatibility : Excellent

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1" to 2" Medium 2" to 3"

Small$24.99 Medium $29.99

Aquarium Conditioned
Swissguard Basslet
Liopropoma rubre
Picture of Swissguard Basslet

Identification: A trophy fish for any reef aquarium is the Swissguard Basslet, also called the Peppermint Basslet. The Swissguard Basslet is an uncommon basslet species that is collected from deeper Atlantic reef areas. Most Liopropoma basses are found on deep reefs. As is common with lower light or deeper water fish, most are some variation of red, yellow, and/or orange. Though the maximum sizes vary with species, the behavior remains consistent, relative to their size. These basses are territorial and will remain close to their home,rock, cave or ledge, venturing out for food and defense. They are safe with most fish and invertebrates that are too large to be eaten.

Tank Recommendations: Provide at least a 10 gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock for a single individual. Basslets prefer a tank with lots of rock work to hide in and sleep. Since it is found in the deeper waters of the Caribbean, it needs areas of the tank to have lower light levels either through less bright aquarium lighting or cave areas that hide it from the bright lighting. Though perfectly friendly and peaceful with tank mates of close size, the basslets territorial with their own species. That means it will be aggressive toward another Swissguard Basslet so we suggest only one per tank.

Food and diet: Basslets adapt very quickly to frozen foods after just a few days. Carnivores they mainly feed on crustaceans found on the sandy bottom of its natural environment. In the aquarium they should be fed a variety of meaty food items such as live, frozen, freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and silver sides. They will also readily accept carnivore/omnivore (Spirulina based) pellets. Feeding should be 1 to 2 times per day and only what will be consumed within a few minutes.

Level of Care: Easy

Acclimaton Time: 3+ hours

Reef Compatibility : Excellent

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"

129.99

Aquarium Conditioned
Tobacco Basslet
Serranus tabacarius

Identification: The Tobacco Basslet, Serranus tabcarius is a very sturdy aquarium fish. Tobacco Basslets are easy to care for and are a very hardy species. They are very popular within the hobby as well as readily available from local retailers and online vendors. Believe it or not they are relatives of groupers and sea bass they are usually found searching for crustaceans several inches above the sandy bottom in close proximity to the coral reefs of the Caribbean and the Tropical Western Atlantic. Although not particularly aggressive, they will defend their favorite hole or interstice, chasing fish away that venture to near. Best kept with peaceful tank mates.

Tank Recommendations: Provide at least a 10 gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock for a single individual. Definitely can be kept in groups as long as you add them simultaneously to a larger tank with plenty of hiding places. Preferring a small cave with subdued lighting as a home, Tobacco Basslets are not overly aggressive towards most fish but may go after smaller fish such as small gobies and blennies.

Food and diet: Basslets adapt very quickly to frozen foods after just a few days. Carnivores they mainly feed on crustaceans found on the sandy bottom of its natural environment. In the aquarium they should be fed a variety of meaty food items such as live, frozen, freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and silver sides. They will also readily accept carnivore/omnivore (Spirulina based) pellets. Feeding should be 1 to 2 times per day and only what will be consumed within a few minutes.

Level of Care: Easy

Acclimaton Time: 3+ hours

Reef Compatibility : Excellent

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1/2" to 1" Medium 1" to 2" Large 2" to 3" Xlarge 3" to 4

Small$24.99 Medium $29.99
Large $34.99 XLarge $49.99

Aquarium Conditioned
Blackcap Basslet
Gramma melacara
Picture of Blackcap Basslet

Identification: The Blackcap Basslet is rarely seen in waters shallower than 60 feet. Found on the edges of reefs within deeper waters in the Western Central Atlantic. They are an ideal addition for reef tanks and beginning hobbyists as they are a brightly colored, beautiful and generally peaceful species that is only a threat to very small invertebrates such as amphipods, copepods, and isopods. They can become territorial with others of their kind. Blackcap Basslets get their name because of the black, cap-like marking on their heads; adding some style to the welcome splash of color that they bring to the reef with their vivid purple coloration.

Tank Recommendations: Provide at least a 10 gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock for a single individual. Basslets prefer a tank with lots of rock work to hide in and sleep. Since it is found in the deeper waters of the Caribbean, it needs areas of the tank to have lower light levels either through less bright aquarium lighting or cave areas that hide it from the bright lighting. Though perfectly friendly and peaceful with tank mates of close size, the basslets territorial with their own species. That means it will be aggressive toward another Blackcap Basslet so we suggest only one per tank.

Food and diet: Basslets adapt very quickly to frozen foods after just a few days. Carnivores they mainly feed on crustaceans found on the sandy bottom of its natural environment. In the aquarium they should be fed a variety of meaty food items such as live, frozen, freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and silver sides. They will also readily accept carnivore/omnivore (Spirulina based) pellets. Feeding should be 1 to 2 times per day and only what will be consumed within a few minutes.

Level of Care: Easy

Acclimaton Time: 3+ hours

Reef Compatibility : Excellent

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" - 1-3/4" Medium: 1-3/4" - 2-1/2" Large 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"

Small$69.99 Medium $ 74.99
Large $89.99

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Photos are representative of each species. All marine life will be unique and variations should be expected, color and sizes may vary.