Tobacco Basslet
Serranus tabacarius
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Suggested Tank
55+ gallons
Max Size
7 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
A robust Western Atlantic dwarf sea bass with a bold orange-tan midlateral stripe, white body, and dark saddle blotches along the back, reaching about 7 inches. It is hardy and generally peaceful toward similarly sized fish but will hunt small fishes and ornamental crustaceans that share the lower water column, so it suits fish-only or carefully stocked reef systems. Provide ample rockwork caves plus open sand for foraging, several small meaty feedings a day for its high metabolism, and a tight-fitting lid since startled individuals jump.
Reef Safe
With caution
Environment
Requires stable saltwater conditions, good filtration, moderate water movement, and plenty of live rock with caves and crevices for shelter. Best kept in a well-established aquarium with typical tropical marine temperatures and stable salinity.
Behavior
Usually secretive and stays near caves or crevices in the rockwork. It may hover near shelter and can become territorial toward similar-shaped fish or other basslets in smaller aquariums.
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Tobacco Basslet
Serranus tabacarius
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