Basslets

[Jay Hemdal]

​

​

Basslets—the Peaceful Groupers​

By Jay Hemdal and Jeff Kurtz


Reef aquarists are ever on the lookout for fish species that will coexist peacefully with the corals and other prized invertebrates in their aquariums. It’s even more advantageous—for fish and reef keeper alike—if the particular species should feed readily on a wide range of standard aquarium fare. Factor in attractive coloration, a small adult size, and a relatively amiable disposition toward dissimilar tankmates, and you’ve got, quite possibly, the ideal candidate for the mini-reef. Fortunately for reef enthusiasts, this ideal “candidate” can be found in several species belonging to a diverse group of fishes known as the basslets.



Taxonomic Considerations

“Diverse” is by no means an understatement when describing this group of fishes as there are approximately 115 species of these “small basses” divided among five genera and three families—Grammatidae, Serranidae, and Plesiopidae. It should be emphasized that the relationships among many of the basslet species described here are largely superficial and do not strictly follow taxonomic considerations.

The Grammatidae family is distributed throughout the tropical Western Atlantic. The Plesiopidae family is found in the Indo West Pacific. The range of the Serranidae family, which includes the groupers, extends to all tropical and temperate oceans.

Upwards of 40 basslet species have been available in the aquarium trade at one time or another. Certain members of the Grammatidae family, perhaps most notable among them being the royal (or fairy) gramma (Gramma loreto) and the blackcap basslet (Gramma melacara), are best known to hobbyists.

A related group of fishes, the dottybacks, family Pseudochromidae, are often lumped under the broader heading of basslets. However, due to their downright pugnacious nature, we will not discuss them at length here. That being said, several dottyback species, including the attractive strawberry dottyback (Pseudochromis porphyreus) and the aptly named false gramma (Pseudochromis paccagnellae), are peaceful toward invertebrates and are extremely hardy in the aquarium. Just don’t make the mistake of attempting to keep them with conspecifics or any other species that looks even remotely similar or occupies the same niche in the aquarium, or constant nipping and chasing may result.

In nature, most basslets are found on coral reefs or rocky substrata, dashing in and out of the labyrinth of nooks and crannies or hovering above coral heads (though never far from shelter), waiting for zooplankton and other tiny prey items to drift by with the ocean currents. Some species have the peculiar habit of orienting themselves upside down with their bellies toward the ceiling of a cave or crevice in the reef—a behavior that some aquarists find disconcerting when they first observe it in their tanks.

​

A Banquet Fit for Basslets​

In the aquarium, basslets will readily accept small bits of meaty seafood, such as chopped shrimp, clams, krill or fish, as well as various frozen foods. Be sure to provide sufficient water movement, via strategically placed powerheads, so that these foods will drift in the water column, simulating live zooplankton. Of course, live foods, such as adult brine shrimp and mysid shrimp, can be offered on occasion for variety. Amphipods (sucked up while vacuuming the aquarium substrate and then released back into the tank using an eyedropper) are devoured with gusto. The royal gramma and other closely related species will even learn to accept flakes and just about any other food items they can fit into their surprisingly cavernous mouths.

​

Canary in a Coalmine?​

In aquarium literature, it’s frequently written that certain basslets of the Grammatidae family will indicate a decline in water quality (e.g., excessive nitrates or plummeting pH) by dramatically changing their coloration and behavior—a sort of “canary in the coalmine” for aquariums, if you will. While this may be true to some extent, it’s certainly not advised to wait until your beautiful royal gramma loses its color before performing a long-overdue water change or other routine maintenance chores, especially if it resides in a reef aquarium where water parameters must not be allowed to fluctuate dramatically. So, rely on test kits, rather than your fishes’ health, to alert you to changes in water quality.

​

Reproductive Strategies​

Many basslets exhibit a unique mode of reproduction called synchronous (or simultaneous) hermaphroditism. With this reproductive strategy, which is relatively uncommon among reef fish, each individual fish possesses active male and female reproductive organs. During spawning, one fish lays eggs, and another fertilizes them. Then, they reverse roles, and fertilization occurs again. Species that exhibit this form of hermaphroditism commonly form monogamous pairs (Ho, 2002).

Sequential hermaphroditism is also found among the basslets. With this reproductive approach, the fish are able to transform from one sex to another in response to some cue in the environment, such as the disappearance of the dominant male (or female, as the case may be). A haremic social structure is more common among sequential hermaphrodites. This strategy is also commonly observed in another popular group of marine fishes, the damsels and clownfishes.

​

Drawbacks to captive husbandry​

Thus far, we’ve examined many of the characteristics that make basslets interesting and well suited for aquarium life. But some of these fish have their downside, too, not the least of which is the inability, in most cases, to keep more than one individual of the same species in the same tank. Even the most beginner-friendly basslets are prone to aggression against their own species and will squabble mercilessly if thrown together. Some aquarists have had success keeping royal grammas or blackcap basslets in harems of five or six individuals, but this usually works only in very large systems with plenty of rockwork and when the fish are all introduced to the tank simultaneously.

Another drawback to certain basslets is that they tend to be very shy and secretive and, therefore, remain out of sight much of the time. Some, such as the crimson tip longfin (Plesiops coeruleolineatus), never seem to lose their timid disposition—even after a prolonged period in captivity. However, most of the commonly sold basslet species will gradually become more confident, spending more time out in the open to the delight of the aquarist.

Species Accounts​

Now that we’ve had a general overview of the basslets as a group, let’s take a closer look at some of the species you might come across when visiting your local fish dealer.

Family GRAMMATIDAE​

​

Blackcap basslet​

Gramma melacara
Maximum size: 8 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at depths from 10 to 60 meters
Range: Western Central Atlantic: West Indies including the Bahamas and Central America.
Notes:
This species often swims upside down inside caves where it retreats when frightened. It appears almost blue-black at deeper depths, but it is a bright purple and black in shallower water or in aquariums. Sometimes found mixed with groups of royal grammas. A hardy fish for home aquariums, although one to a tank is the general rule. Like the royal gramma, if you want to have more than one in an aquarium, add them all at the same time, and be sure the density is less than around one fish per 200 liters of tank capacity. If fed a less than adequate diet, or if kept in poor water conditions, the bright purple color of the blackcap basslet will fade dramatically.

​

Brazilian basslet​

Gramma brasiliensis
Maximum size: 6.5 centimeters (cm)
Habitat: Coral reefs at depths from three to 25 meters
Range: Southwest Atlantic: Brazil.
Notes:
Very similar to the royal gramma, this species was discovered only recently. Sold in the pet trade as the “Brazilian royal gramma,” this species’ care requirements are virtually identical to that of the royal gramma. Like the royal gramma, this species has been known to be a part-time cleaner fish, picking parasites from the skin of other fish. Its normal diet consists of small planktonic organisms that it plucks from the water as it swims in small groups in caves and under ledges.


Royal gramma, fairy basslet
Gramma loreto
Maximum size: 8 cm in the wild, one captive individual measured over 15 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at a depth of one to 60 meters
Range: Western Central Atlantic: Bermuda, Bahamas, and Central America to northern South America.
Notes:
The bright purple of this fish’s head appears blue when viewed by SCUBA divers as the red coloration is filtered out by the depth of the water. Like many other cave-dwelling basslets, it swims with its belly facing the nearest surface. It is often seen swimming upside down under ledges.

The royal Gramma is one of the most popular home aquarium fish, suitable for almost any marine aquarium that does not have tankmates large enough to eat it. Fairly disease resistant and peaceful towards other fish and invertebrates, care just needs to be taken if mixing more than one royal gramma in the same small aquarium as they may fight. The royal gramma is also well known for its ability to jump out of aquariums. While this fish has been successfully bred in captivity, it has not been commercially viable to produce.


Family PLESIOPIDAE

​

Blue devilfish, blue Assessor​

Assessor macneilli
Maximum size: 5 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at a depth of two to 20 meters.
Range: Great Barrier Reef in Australia and New Caledonia.
Notes:
Generally more commonly seen in the pet trade, this species of Assessor has a wider range than the yellow variety. Both species are paternal mouthbrooders, but captive spawning and rearing have not yet been reported.

Comet, marine betta, mimic roundhead​

Calloplesiops altivelis
Maximum size: 18 cm
Habitat: Coral reef caves at a depth of three to 45 meters.
Range: Red Sea and East Africa to the Indo-West Pacific.
Notes:
When alarmed, it will hide its head in a hole and expose its tail, which mimics the head of the moray eel. The comet is very peaceful species that generally leaves all other fish and invertebrates alone (with the possible exception of small species of shrimp). Comets have been reared in captivity, although not in numbers sufficient to meet the demand from the public at a price they will accept.

​

Crimson tip longfin, black plesiops​

Plesiops coeruleolineatus
Maximum size: 8 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at a depth of one to 23 meters
Range: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Japan.
Notes:
While peaceful in reef aquariums, this fish is not very colorful. It is also so secretive that aquarists will rarely see it. Unlike most other basslets, the black Plesiops never changes its timid and retiring nature after becoming used to captive life.


Eastern hulafish
Trachinops taeniatus

Maximum size: 7 cm

Habitat: Open water above temperate and tropical reefs

Range: New South Wales, Australia.

Notes:

A very peaceful, schooling species, it will accept any small meaty seafood; brine shrimp, small krill, mysid shrimp, etc. It is a perfect miniature reef fish, as it stays out in the open for much of the day and never bothers any invertebrates. Only its relatively high cost keeps this fish from being more popular with aquarists.

Longfin “Pseudochromis,” barred spiny basslet​

Belonepterygion fasciolatum

Maximum size: 4 cm
Habitat: Rocky areas from the surface to 20 meters
Range: Indo-West Pacific: Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan to Australia.
Notes:
Found in shallow reef flats and tide pools, this odd fish is sometimes available in the pet trade. Another very shy and retiring species, this fish is not well suited for aquariums housing larger fish, but it will coexist well with all types of invertebrates.

Western blue devil​

Paraplesiops meleagris

Maximum size: 30 cm
Habitat: Subtropical marine rocky reefs, in caves.
Range: Western and Southern Australia.
Notes:
This is the “holy grail” of fish from temperate Australia – at least for those who have seen color photographs of an adult specimen. Bright blue with even brighter light blue spots makes this one of the most distinctively colored fish available. Aquarists should be cautioned that it is only the older adults that are this colorful; younger fish are a blue-gray with a smattering of blue spots. In addition, this fish’s color is most intense when illuminated by a camera flash. Growing to a length of around 14”, it is shy and retiring at first but soon spends more time out in the open. This fish is compatible with any other fish too large to be eaten, and with its relatively small mouth, it is better suited for feeding on krill, mysids and chopped seafoods. The Western blue devil sometimes becomes belligerent towards other fish while guarding its territory, but this is usually just a “gill flaring bluff.”

Yellow devilfish, yellow Assessor​

Assessor flavissimus​

Maximum size: 5 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at a depth of five to 20 meters
Range: Australia, Great Barrier Reef.
Notes:
Found in large aggregations in caves, often upside down. This species is apparently a paternal mouthbrooder, with the male incubating the eggs in its mouth. Both the yellow and blue Assessors are excellent miniature reef tank inhabitants. Less quarrelsome than most other basslets, they also leave invertebrates alone.

Family SERRANIDAE​

Belted sandfish​

Serranus subligarius

Maximum size: 10 cm
Habitat: Various bottom types from near the surface down to 18 meters
Range: Western Atlantic: North Carolina to Florida and Texas.
Notes:
Stubby sea bass with a pointed snout. Not a coral reef species, this fish has been studied for its unusual breeding behavior – it alternates spawning as a male and then as a female. It is a very robust fish that may prey on small crabs or shrimp in the aquarium. Most often captured by collectors operating in the Gulf of Mexico, it prefers more temperate water, in a range of 65 to 75 degrees.

Chalk bass​

Serranus tortugarum

Maximum size: 8 cm
Habitat: Coral rubble and sand areas at a depth of 10 to 400 meters.
Range: Western Atlantic: southern Florida, Bahamas, Honduras and Virgin Islands.
Notes:
This fish is often found in small schools of three to ten individuals hovering above the bottom in sandy areas near pieces of coral rubble. If collected as a group, they will tend to remain peaceful in captivity. A chalk bass added to an existing aquarium group may not be accepted.

Harlequin bass​

Serranus tigrinus

Maximum size: 25 cm
Habitat: Coral rubble and sand flat areas from one to 40 meters in depth.
Range: Tropical Western Atlantic
Notes:
This is the most common member of the genus and is often seen in pet stores. Its contrasting colors tend to fade a bit in captivity, and it reaches a relatively large size, so smaller fish or shrimp are not compatible tankmates.

​

Lantern bass​

Serranus baldwini

Maximum size: 8 cm
Habitat: Coral rubble areas, from one to 80 meters in depth.
Range: Western Atlantic: southern Florida, and the Bahamas to northern South America, off Suriname.
Notes:
This species inhabits both reef rubble and sea grass areas where it feeds on shrimp and small fish. In captivity it can become a bit pugnacious, but its relatively small size means that it is not a menace to most other aquarium fish.

Peppermint bass, Swissguard bass​

Liopropoma rubre

Maximum size: 10 cm
Habitat: Coral caves at a depth of three to 45 meters.
Range: Western Atlantic: southern Florida, and the Bahamas to northern South America.
Notes:
A solitary species inhabiting deep caves and ledges, this fish is fairly common but very secretive and rarely seen by the casual diver. The coloration of this fish reminds some people of the uniform of the papal guard, thus the use of Swissguard bass as one of its common names. Disease resistant, this species maintains its colors well in captivity and, with time, will become less secretive, spending more time out in the open.

​

Tattler bass​

Serranus phoebe

Maximum size: 15 cm, smaller in captivity
Habitat: Rocky reefs from 27 to 180 meters in depth.
Range: Western Atlantic: from Bermuda and South Carolina, through the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.
Notes:
A solitary species inhabiting rocky areas. Synchronously hermaphroditic. This fish is prone to developing exophthalmia caused by injuries (such as jumping and striking the eye against the side of the tank). Not a very colorful species, it is still rather attractively patterned. It is more commonly collected in reef areas offshore of central Florida than in more tropical regions where it is found in deeper, cooler water.

​

Tobaccofish​

Serranus tabacarius

Maximum size: 20 cm
Habitat: Coral rubble areas from four to 70 meters in depth.
Range: Western Atlantic: Bermuda to Caribbean, southern Florida, to northern Brazil.
Notes:
This species inhabits flat reefs or rubble areas in clearer water. It grows larger than most other members of this group and thus is more of a threat to smaller tankmates. It also tends to jump out of aquariums and is prone to exophthalmus.

Wrasse bass​

Liopropoma eukrines

Maximum size: 15 cm
Habitat: Deep reef ledges at depths of 30 to 150 meters
Range: Western Atlantic: North Carolina to the Florida Keys.
Notes:
Occurs most commonly along rocky ledges in deep, relatively cooler waters, such as those found along Palm Beach County, Florida. The wrasse bass may fight with other members of the genus, and larger individuals may eat small fish and shrimp housed in the same aquarium with them.




Other species sometimes encountered in the aquarium trade:


Scientific name Common name Most similar to Notes

Calloplesiops argus Blue comet Comet Sometimes seen in the pet trade, possibly a color variant of C. altivelis.

Diplectrum bivittatum Dwarf sand perch Tattler bass A specialty species, not routinely collected.

Lipogramma evides Banded basslet A small royal gramma Rare, from deep water, would possibly retail for $1500.

Lipogramma klayi Bicolor basslet Royal gramma Usually found deeper than 150 feet, more delicate than G. loreto.

Lipogramma regia Royal basslet A small lantern bass Small, shy, peaceful species, deep water and rare.

Liopropoma carmabi Candy basslet Swissguard bass Brighter in color, deeper water species, very expensive.

Liopropoma aurora Sunrise basslet Wrasse bass From deepwater areas around Hawaii, larger, expensive.

Liopropoma fasciatum “Wrasse butt” bass Wrasse bass Eastern Pacific species, moderately common.

Liopropoma mowbrayi Cave bass Swissguard bass Not often collected due to more subdued colors, but locally common.

Liopropoma swalesi Swale’s basslet Swissguard bass Recently has become a staple fish for many dealers.

Serranus annularis Orangeback bass Harlequin bass A deeper water species, not often collected.

Serranus pulcher São Tomé Comber Lantern bass Collected in West Africa (Ghana)

Serranus scriba Painted comber Tattler bass Mostly seen in European collections.

Trachinops caudimaculatus Southern hulafish Eastern hulafish Requires chilled water (65 degrees F).





References:



Bohlke, James E. and Chaplin, Charles C.G. 1968. Fishes of the Bahamas and Adjacent Tropical Waters. University of Texas Press, Austin

FishBase www.fishbase.org

Hemdal, J.F. 2000. Temperate Australian marine fishes. Aquarium Fish 12(10):44-48

Hemdal, J.F. 1985. Caribbean basslets. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 34(4):40.

Ho, Leonard. 2002. Hermaphroditism A Tale of Two Sexes. www.reefscapes.net.

Michael, Scott W. 2003. Personal communication.

Michael, Scott W. 1998. Reef Fishes Vol. 1 Microcosm Ltd., Shelburne, Vermont

Stokes, Joseph F. 1980. Coral Reef Fishes of the Caribbean. Lippincott and Crowell, New York

Thresher, Ronald E. 1980. Reef Fish. Palmetto Publishing Co., St. Petersburg, Florida


###

 

[cdemoss01]

The royal Gramma basslet usually known for it's cave dwelling behaviors is a stunner for any aquarium. In my personal experience with them they are a hardy fish and on my opinion a necessity for any tank under 65 gallons. Their purple and yellow colors give the fish a sunset type of look. At night the Gramma will find a place to wedge itself and sleep for the night. Grammas also show territorial behaviors when approached by other fish. The Gramma specifically opens its mouth to warn other fish, however I only experienced this once with my current one and it's now an active member of my tank.
Wasnt sure what to write @Jay Hemdal but I wrote about one of my favorite fish!

 

[LiquidSpace]

I have a really nice Yellow Assessor, but it only comes out when the lights are out or really low which is a shame. Otherwise it just hides in a rock.

The only time I ever saw it swim upside down was when I opened the shipping box and it was on the surface of the water upside down.

 

[JHSteepat]

I have two chalk bass and really like them. They were captive-bred and inexpensive. Pretty fish that shoal and mind their own business. My (slightly smaller) McCosker's wrasse feels the need to chase one of them occasionally. They strike food FAST. Maybe not the showiest fish, but a solid addition. Added to tank with a Tomini tang and some other fish with no issues.

 

[Clowning_Around72]

I have a really nice Yellow Assessor, but it only comes out when the lights are out or really low which is a shame. Otherwise it just hides in a rock.

The only time I ever saw it swim upside down was when I opened the shipping box and it was on the surface of the water upside down.

Is yours CB or WC? Does it eat pellets? I would like to get one.

 

[LiquidSpace]

Is yours CB or WC? Does it eat pellets? I would like to get one.

Captive Bread. It eats the smallest size of TDO Chroma Boost.

 

[Clowning_Around72]

Is yours CB or WC? Does it eat pellets? I would like to get one.

Captive Bread. It eats the smallest size of TDO Chroma Boost.

Thank you

 

[W31Olds]

My gramma is a fierce little fellow that attacks my gravel siphon when it gets in his territory. All the other fish cower.

 

[W31Olds]

Informative article Jay.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

I have two chalk bass and really like them. They were captive-bred and inexpensive. Pretty fish that shoal and mind their own business. My (slightly smaller) McCosker's wrasse feels the need to chase one of them occasionally. They strike food FAST. Maybe not the showiest fish, but a solid addition. Added to tank with a Tomini tang and some other fish with no issues.

Captive bred chalk bass? ORA had a batch last February, but I haven’t seen them since. Did they arrive really small?

 

[christinna77]

Blue Macneill's Assessor here. Extremely active fish, always out and swimming around and riding the current in my tank. It's almost impossible to take a good picture of him lol. Voracious eater too, if it could fit in my pipette, it would lol. Sleeps in the cave at night.

 

[JHSteepat]

Captive bred chalk bass? ORA had a batch last February, but I haven’t seen them since. Did they arrive really small?

The chalk bass were ORA captive bred chalk bass purchased last July from saltwateraquarium. I bought 3, but 1 was DOA. I recall they were received in the 1.5" range, but they were in a QT/grow-out tank for a month or so, and grew fast, and after a day or so of hiding in the rock, were out and about. I'd say they are 2.5-3" now, same size as the McCosker's wrasse. They seem like a very robust fish and eat everything heartily.

 

[JHSteepat]

I have two chalk bass and really like them. They were captive-bred and inexpensive. Pretty fish that shoal and mind their own business. My (slightly smaller) McCosker's wrasse feels the need to chase one of them occasionally. They strike food FAST. Maybe not the showiest fish, but a solid addition. Added to tank with a Tomini tang and some other fish with no issues.

I was wrong about the "inexpensive" part, they are more like a mid-priced saltwater fish.

Just goes to illustrate the "buy once, cry once" principle. I've forgotten the price, but like the fish.

 

[Nordy]

Always wanted a yellow assessor, it’s cool they are CB, can get one from ORA. I have two basslets. A Chalk bass, and a Blackcap. I think a chalk bass is a must have. Peaceful, strikes for food quickly like already mentioned, and once established an active water column swimmer, though attinic lighting is preferred I can see. Blackcap is neat also, does the upside down Assessor like swimming.

 

[Nordy]

I know all fish are jumpers, but are assessors known jumpers, say like a wrasse?

 

[christinna77]

I haven’t seen mine try to jump out, but it’s really good at hiding. I actually thought it had jumped out because I couldn’t find it anywhere in my QT tank. Turns out, they can wedge themselves tightly inside decorations and won’t come out - even if you lift them out of the water. I spent two hours crawling around the floor looking for it, only to find it happily swimming around the next day.

 

[slosoak]

I have a really nice Yellow Assessor, but it only comes out when the lights are out or really low which is a shame. Otherwise it just hides in a rock.

The only time I ever saw it swim upside down was when I opened the shipping box and it was on the surface of the water upside down.

I have 3 together and they are out quite a bit. They also stay together so maybe more comfortable in groups

 

[jonnywink]

​

​

Basslets—the Peaceful Groupers​

By Jay Hemdal and Jeff Kurtz


Reef aquarists are ever on the lookout for fish species that will coexist peacefully with the corals and other prized invertebrates in their aquariums. It’s even more advantageous—for fish and reef keeper alike—if the particular species should feed readily on a wide range of standard aquarium fare. Factor in attractive coloration, a small adult size, and a relatively amiable disposition toward dissimilar tankmates, and you’ve got, quite possibly, the ideal candidate for the mini-reef. Fortunately for reef enthusiasts, this ideal “candidate” can be found in several species belonging to a diverse group of fishes known as the basslets.



Taxonomic Considerations

“Diverse” is by no means an understatement when describing this group of fishes as there are approximately 115 species of these “small basses” divided among five genera and three families—Grammatidae, Serranidae, and Plesiopidae. It should be emphasized that the relationships among many of the basslet species described here are largely superficial and do not strictly follow taxonomic considerations.

The Grammatidae family is distributed throughout the tropical Western Atlantic. The Plesiopidae family is found in the Indo West Pacific. The range of the Serranidae family, which includes the groupers, extends to all tropical and temperate oceans.

Upwards of 40 basslet species have been available in the aquarium trade at one time or another. Certain members of the Grammatidae family, perhaps most notable among them being the royal (or fairy) gramma (Gramma loreto) and the blackcap basslet (Gramma melacara), are best known to hobbyists.

A related group of fishes, the dottybacks, family Pseudochromidae, are often lumped under the broader heading of basslets. However, due to their downright pugnacious nature, we will not discuss them at length here. That being said, several dottyback species, including the attractive strawberry dottyback (Pseudochromis porphyreus) and the aptly named false gramma (Pseudochromis paccagnellae), are peaceful toward invertebrates and are extremely hardy in the aquarium. Just don’t make the mistake of attempting to keep them with conspecifics or any other species that looks even remotely similar or occupies the same niche in the aquarium, or constant nipping and chasing may result.

In nature, most basslets are found on coral reefs or rocky substrata, dashing in and out of the labyrinth of nooks and crannies or hovering above coral heads (though never far from shelter), waiting for zooplankton and other tiny prey items to drift by with the ocean currents. Some species have the peculiar habit of orienting themselves upside down with their bellies toward the ceiling of a cave or crevice in the reef—a behavior that some aquarists find disconcerting when they first observe it in their tanks.

​

A Banquet Fit for Basslets​

In the aquarium, basslets will readily accept small bits of meaty seafood, such as chopped shrimp, clams, krill or fish, as well as various frozen foods. Be sure to provide sufficient water movement, via strategically placed powerheads, so that these foods will drift in the water column, simulating live zooplankton. Of course, live foods, such as adult brine shrimp and mysid shrimp, can be offered on occasion for variety. Amphipods (sucked up while vacuuming the aquarium substrate and then released back into the tank using an eyedropper) are devoured with gusto. The royal gramma and other closely related species will even learn to accept flakes and just about any other food items they can fit into their surprisingly cavernous mouths.

​

Canary in a Coalmine?​

In aquarium literature, it’s frequently written that certain basslets of the Grammatidae family will indicate a decline in water quality (e.g., excessive nitrates or plummeting pH) by dramatically changing their coloration and behavior—a sort of “canary in the coalmine” for aquariums, if you will. While this may be true to some extent, it’s certainly not advised to wait until your beautiful royal gramma loses its color before performing a long-overdue water change or other routine maintenance chores, especially if it resides in a reef aquarium where water parameters must not be allowed to fluctuate dramatically. So, rely on test kits, rather than your fishes’ health, to alert you to changes in water quality.

​

Reproductive Strategies​

Many basslets exhibit a unique mode of reproduction called synchronous (or simultaneous) hermaphroditism. With this reproductive strategy, which is relatively uncommon among reef fish, each individual fish possesses active male and female reproductive organs. During spawning, one fish lays eggs, and another fertilizes them. Then, they reverse roles, and fertilization occurs again. Species that exhibit this form of hermaphroditism commonly form monogamous pairs (Ho, 2002).

Sequential hermaphroditism is also found among the basslets. With this reproductive approach, the fish are able to transform from one sex to another in response to some cue in the environment, such as the disappearance of the dominant male (or female, as the case may be). A haremic social structure is more common among sequential hermaphrodites. This strategy is also commonly observed in another popular group of marine fishes, the damsels and clownfishes.

​

Drawbacks to captive husbandry​

Thus far, we’ve examined many of the characteristics that make basslets interesting and well suited for aquarium life. But some of these fish have their downside, too, not the least of which is the inability, in most cases, to keep more than one individual of the same species in the same tank. Even the most beginner-friendly basslets are prone to aggression against their own species and will squabble mercilessly if thrown together. Some aquarists have had success keeping royal grammas or blackcap basslets in harems of five or six individuals, but this usually works only in very large systems with plenty of rockwork and when the fish are all introduced to the tank simultaneously.

Another drawback to certain basslets is that they tend to be very shy and secretive and, therefore, remain out of sight much of the time. Some, such as the crimson tip longfin (Plesiops coeruleolineatus), never seem to lose their timid disposition—even after a prolonged period in captivity. However, most of the commonly sold basslet species will gradually become more confident, spending more time out in the open to the delight of the aquarist.

Species Accounts​

Now that we’ve had a general overview of the basslets as a group, let’s take a closer look at some of the species you might come across when visiting your local fish dealer.

Family GRAMMATIDAE​

​

Blackcap basslet​

Gramma melacara
Maximum size: 8 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at depths from 10 to 60 meters
Range: Western Central Atlantic: West Indies including the Bahamas and Central America.
Notes:
This species often swims upside down inside caves where it retreats when frightened. It appears almost blue-black at deeper depths, but it is a bright purple and black in shallower water or in aquariums. Sometimes found mixed with groups of royal grammas. A hardy fish for home aquariums, although one to a tank is the general rule. Like the royal gramma, if you want to have more than one in an aquarium, add them all at the same time, and be sure the density is less than around one fish per 200 liters of tank capacity. If fed a less than adequate diet, or if kept in poor water conditions, the bright purple color of the blackcap basslet will fade dramatically.

​

Brazilian basslet​

Gramma brasiliensis
Maximum size: 6.5 centimeters (cm)
Habitat: Coral reefs at depths from three to 25 meters
Range: Southwest Atlantic: Brazil.
Notes:
Very similar to the royal gramma, this species was discovered only recently. Sold in the pet trade as the “Brazilian royal gramma,” this species’ care requirements are virtually identical to that of the royal gramma. Like the royal gramma, this species has been known to be a part-time cleaner fish, picking parasites from the skin of other fish. Its normal diet consists of small planktonic organisms that it plucks from the water as it swims in small groups in caves and under ledges.


Royal gramma, fairy basslet
Gramma loreto
Maximum size: 8 cm in the wild, one captive individual measured over 15 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at a depth of one to 60 meters
Range: Western Central Atlantic: Bermuda, Bahamas, and Central America to northern South America.
Notes:
The bright purple of this fish’s head appears blue when viewed by SCUBA divers as the red coloration is filtered out by the depth of the water. Like many other cave-dwelling basslets, it swims with its belly facing the nearest surface. It is often seen swimming upside down under ledges.

The royal Gramma is one of the most popular home aquarium fish, suitable for almost any marine aquarium that does not have tankmates large enough to eat it. Fairly disease resistant and peaceful towards other fish and invertebrates, care just needs to be taken if mixing more than one royal gramma in the same small aquarium as they may fight. The royal gramma is also well known for its ability to jump out of aquariums. While this fish has been successfully bred in captivity, it has not been commercially viable to produce.


Family PLESIOPIDAE

​

Blue devilfish, blue Assessor​

Assessor macneilli
Maximum size: 5 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at a depth of two to 20 meters.
Range: Great Barrier Reef in Australia and New Caledonia.
Notes:
Generally more commonly seen in the pet trade, this species of Assessor has a wider range than the yellow variety. Both species are paternal mouthbrooders, but captive spawning and rearing have not yet been reported.

Comet, marine betta, mimic roundhead​

Calloplesiops altivelis
Maximum size: 18 cm
Habitat: Coral reef caves at a depth of three to 45 meters.
Range: Red Sea and East Africa to the Indo-West Pacific.
Notes:
When alarmed, it will hide its head in a hole and expose its tail, which mimics the head of the moray eel. The comet is very peaceful species that generally leaves all other fish and invertebrates alone (with the possible exception of small species of shrimp). Comets have been reared in captivity, although not in numbers sufficient to meet the demand from the public at a price they will accept.

​

Crimson tip longfin, black plesiops​

Plesiops coeruleolineatus
Maximum size: 8 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at a depth of one to 23 meters
Range: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Japan.
Notes:
While peaceful in reef aquariums, this fish is not very colorful. It is also so secretive that aquarists will rarely see it. Unlike most other basslets, the black Plesiops never changes its timid and retiring nature after becoming used to captive life.


Eastern hulafish
Trachinops taeniatus

Maximum size: 7 cm

Habitat: Open water above temperate and tropical reefs

Range: New South Wales, Australia.

Notes:

A very peaceful, schooling species, it will accept any small meaty seafood; brine shrimp, small krill, mysid shrimp, etc. It is a perfect miniature reef fish, as it stays out in the open for much of the day and never bothers any invertebrates. Only its relatively high cost keeps this fish from being more popular with aquarists.

Longfin “Pseudochromis,” barred spiny basslet​

Belonepterygion fasciolatum

Maximum size: 4 cm
Habitat: Rocky areas from the surface to 20 meters
Range: Indo-West Pacific: Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan to Australia.
Notes:
Found in shallow reef flats and tide pools, this odd fish is sometimes available in the pet trade. Another very shy and retiring species, this fish is not well suited for aquariums housing larger fish, but it will coexist well with all types of invertebrates.

Western blue devil​

Paraplesiops meleagris

Maximum size: 30 cm
Habitat: Subtropical marine rocky reefs, in caves.
Range: Western and Southern Australia.
Notes:
This is the “holy grail” of fish from temperate Australia – at least for those who have seen color photographs of an adult specimen. Bright blue with even brighter light blue spots makes this one of the most distinctively colored fish available. Aquarists should be cautioned that it is only the older adults that are this colorful; younger fish are a blue-gray with a smattering of blue spots. In addition, this fish’s color is most intense when illuminated by a camera flash. Growing to a length of around 14”, it is shy and retiring at first but soon spends more time out in the open. This fish is compatible with any other fish too large to be eaten, and with its relatively small mouth, it is better suited for feeding on krill, mysids and chopped seafoods. The Western blue devil sometimes becomes belligerent towards other fish while guarding its territory, but this is usually just a “gill flaring bluff.”

Yellow devilfish, yellow Assessor​

Assessor flavissimus​

Maximum size: 5 cm
Habitat: Coral reefs at a depth of five to 20 meters
Range: Australia, Great Barrier Reef.
Notes:
Found in large aggregations in caves, often upside down. This species is apparently a paternal mouthbrooder, with the male incubating the eggs in its mouth. Both the yellow and blue Assessors are excellent miniature reef tank inhabitants. Less quarrelsome than most other basslets, they also leave invertebrates alone.

Family SERRANIDAE​

Belted sandfish​

Serranus subligarius

Maximum size: 10 cm
Habitat: Various bottom types from near the surface down to 18 meters
Range: Western Atlantic: North Carolina to Florida and Texas.
Notes:
Stubby sea bass with a pointed snout. Not a coral reef species, this fish has been studied for its unusual breeding behavior – it alternates spawning as a male and then as a female. It is a very robust fish that may prey on small crabs or shrimp in the aquarium. Most often captured by collectors operating in the Gulf of Mexico, it prefers more temperate water, in a range of 65 to 75 degrees.

Chalk bass​

Serranus tortugarum

Maximum size: 8 cm
Habitat: Coral rubble and sand areas at a depth of 10 to 400 meters.
Range: Western Atlantic: southern Florida, Bahamas, Honduras and Virgin Islands.
Notes:
This fish is often found in small schools of three to ten individuals hovering above the bottom in sandy areas near pieces of coral rubble. If collected as a group, they will tend to remain peaceful in captivity. A chalk bass added to an existing aquarium group may not be accepted.

Harlequin bass​

Serranus tigrinus

Maximum size: 25 cm
Habitat: Coral rubble and sand flat areas from one to 40 meters in depth.
Range: Tropical Western Atlantic
Notes:
This is the most common member of the genus and is often seen in pet stores. Its contrasting colors tend to fade a bit in captivity, and it reaches a relatively large size, so smaller fish or shrimp are not compatible tankmates.

​

Lantern bass​

Serranus baldwini

Maximum size: 8 cm
Habitat: Coral rubble areas, from one to 80 meters in depth.
Range: Western Atlantic: southern Florida, and the Bahamas to northern South America, off Suriname.
Notes:
This species inhabits both reef rubble and sea grass areas where it feeds on shrimp and small fish. In captivity it can become a bit pugnacious, but its relatively small size means that it is not a menace to most other aquarium fish.

Peppermint bass, Swissguard bass​

Liopropoma rubre

Maximum size: 10 cm
Habitat: Coral caves at a depth of three to 45 meters.
Range: Western Atlantic: southern Florida, and the Bahamas to northern South America.
Notes:
A solitary species inhabiting deep caves and ledges, this fish is fairly common but very secretive and rarely seen by the casual diver. The coloration of this fish reminds some people of the uniform of the papal guard, thus the use of Swissguard bass as one of its common names. Disease resistant, this species maintains its colors well in captivity and, with time, will become less secretive, spending more time out in the open.

​

Tattler bass​

Serranus phoebe

Maximum size: 15 cm, smaller in captivity
Habitat: Rocky reefs from 27 to 180 meters in depth.
Range: Western Atlantic: from Bermuda and South Carolina, through the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.
Notes:
A solitary species inhabiting rocky areas. Synchronously hermaphroditic. This fish is prone to developing exophthalmia caused by injuries (such as jumping and striking the eye against the side of the tank). Not a very colorful species, it is still rather attractively patterned. It is more commonly collected in reef areas offshore of central Florida than in more tropical regions where it is found in deeper, cooler water.

​

Tobaccofish​

Serranus tabacarius

Maximum size: 20 cm
Habitat: Coral rubble areas from four to 70 meters in depth.
Range: Western Atlantic: Bermuda to Caribbean, southern Florida, to northern Brazil.
Notes:
This species inhabits flat reefs or rubble areas in clearer water. It grows larger than most other members of this group and thus is more of a threat to smaller tankmates. It also tends to jump out of aquariums and is prone to exophthalmus.

Wrasse bass​

Liopropoma eukrines

Maximum size: 15 cm
Habitat: Deep reef ledges at depths of 30 to 150 meters
Range: Western Atlantic: North Carolina to the Florida Keys.
Notes:
Occurs most commonly along rocky ledges in deep, relatively cooler waters, such as those found along Palm Beach County, Florida. The wrasse bass may fight with other members of the genus, and larger individuals may eat small fish and shrimp housed in the same aquarium with them.




Other species sometimes encountered in the aquarium trade:


Scientific name Common name Most similar to Notes

Calloplesiops argus Blue comet Comet Sometimes seen in the pet trade, possibly a color variant of C. altivelis.

Diplectrum bivittatum Dwarf sand perch Tattler bass A specialty species, not routinely collected.

Lipogramma evides Banded basslet A small royal gramma Rare, from deep water, would possibly retail for $1500.

Lipogramma klayi Bicolor basslet Royal gramma Usually found deeper than 150 feet, more delicate than G. loreto.

Lipogramma regia Royal basslet A small lantern bass Small, shy, peaceful species, deep water and rare.

Liopropoma carmabi Candy basslet Swissguard bass Brighter in color, deeper water species, very expensive.

Liopropoma aurora Sunrise basslet Wrasse bass From deepwater areas around Hawaii, larger, expensive.

Liopropoma fasciatum “Wrasse butt” bass Wrasse bass Eastern Pacific species, moderately common.

Liopropoma mowbrayi Cave bass Swissguard bass Not often collected due to more subdued colors, but locally common.

Liopropoma swalesi Swale’s basslet Swissguard bass Recently has become a staple fish for many dealers.

Serranus annularis Orangeback bass Harlequin bass A deeper water species, not often collected.

Serranus pulcher São Tomé Comber Lantern bass Collected in West Africa (Ghana)

Serranus scriba Painted comber Tattler bass Mostly seen in European collections.

Trachinops caudimaculatus Southern hulafish Eastern hulafish Requires chilled water (65 degrees F).





References:



Bohlke, James E. and Chaplin, Charles C.G. 1968. Fishes of the Bahamas and Adjacent Tropical Waters. University of Texas Press, Austin

FishBase www.fishbase.org

Hemdal, J.F. 2000. Temperate Australian marine fishes. Aquarium Fish 12(10):44-48

Hemdal, J.F. 1985. Caribbean basslets. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 34(4):40.

Ho, Leonard. 2002. Hermaphroditism A Tale of Two Sexes. www.reefscapes.net.

Michael, Scott W. 2003. Personal communication.

Michael, Scott W. 1998. Reef Fishes Vol. 1 Microcosm Ltd., Shelburne, Vermont

Stokes, Joseph F. 1980. Coral Reef Fishes of the Caribbean. Lippincott and Crowell, New York

Thresher, Ronald E. 1980. Reef Fish. Palmetto Publishing Co., St. Petersburg, Florida


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Thank you Jay. This is great information.

 

[jp_75]

Basslets are big on jumping!
Good thing is that you can put a group of them if you have 90 plus tank.

 

[Griev]

If you have a large tank is absolutely worth it to get a group of them! I love how social my group of 4 blackcaps are in my 200. The largest cruises around the tank visiting the other's dens and showing his mouth off to keep them in line. I introduced them together and I've never seen them actually fight, they just do their mouth display at each other.