Tobacco Basslet (Serranus Tabacarius)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Black, Orange, White

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 7"

Origin : Western Atlantic

Family : Grammidae

Minimum Tank Size : 70 gallons

The Tobacco Basslet (Serranus Tabacarius) is alternately referred to as the Tobacco Fish, or Tobacco Bass, and is common in the tropical Western Atlantic.

The body is a light gray on the bottom and a black and silver mottled pattern dorsally, split from each other by an orange band.

A single individual should be maintained in a minimum of a 70 gallon tank, while more than one requires at least 125 gallons. Provide plenty of hiding places amongst live rock, as well as a decent expanse of sand for the fish to forage amongst. It prefers a small cave with subdued lighting as a home. 

This is a very hardy species that is relatively peaceful, and is suitable for fish-only community aquaria or reef tanks that contain no tiny fish or ornamental crustaceans. Do not house alongside more-diminutive species such as blennies, gobies, damselfishes, firefishes etc, as the basslets will become a threat as they grow. The Tobacco Fish may try to dominate smaller members of the same species, so it's best to introduce several Tobacco Bass at the same time if you plan to keep a small group.

True of all members of the Serranus genus, the Tobacco Basslet is hermaphroditic.

As a carnivore, the Tobacco Basslet will thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as finely chopped fresh or frozen marine fish, squid, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp and frozen carnivore preparations. Feed small amounts 3 times per day.

Size: Small 1/2" to 1" Medium 1" to 2"