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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Serranidae (Anthias, Groupers)
Natural Range: Gulf of Mexico, Western Atalantic Ocean
Depth: 10 to 228 ft. Size: 7 in. Jumps: No Space: 55+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Small fish, crustaceans
Natural History: The Tobacco Basslet is found on mixed sand, rock, and rubble slopes along the edges of reefs. It is often observed in small groups just above the substrate, hunting for prey. When not breeding, individuals on the reef have overlapping territories that they do not defend from other Tobacco Basslets.
Husbandry: The Tobacco Basslet is considered a hardy aquarium species. It should be housed with peaceful tankmates that are not small enough for it to eat. If more than one Tobacco Basslet is to be housed in the same aquarium, all individuals should be introduced at the same time. It may feed on small ornamental shrimp but otherwise is reef safe. Smaller specimens tolerate their own species much better than larger ones.
Reproduction: This species has been observed to reproduce by forming breeding territories with individuals performing mating displays to attract the attention of nearby females. A mating pair is observed to swim up into the water column to mate.
AKA: Tobacco Fish