Swalesi Basslet
Scientific Name : Liopropoma Swalesi
Origin : Indo-Pacific
Temperament : Extremely Shy
Temperature : 72F - 82F
Maximum Size : 3 Inches
Diet : Carnivore
Difficulty : Medium
Reef Safe : Yes
Tank Size : 50 Gallons
The Swalesi Basslet is known to be the shyest member within the genus Liopropoma. It is also known as Swale's swissguard basslet and the Pacific Candy Basslet, not to be confused with the real Candy Basslet (Liopropoma Carmabi).
They are collected from the Indo-Pacific Ocean and are a uncommon offering in the marine aquarium hobby. This is mainly due to the fact that they are very hard to collect due to their shy disposition in the wild.
These basslets are very pretty and have a faint lavender body with horizontal orange stripes. Unlike the Candy Basslet, they have a black dot on both the anal and dorsal fins. Candy basslet lack the black dot on their anal fins.
Their scientific name is Liopropoma Swalesi and like most members within the genus Liopropoma, they are a pricey marine fish. Expect to pay up to $100 for a specimen.
They are extremely shy and are therefore tricky to keep in captivity. When looking at this beautiful species, you will have to keep their needs in mind.
Ther have been many that have struggled with the swalesi basslet. The primary reason why they perish in captivity is because they were housed in a marine aquarium that was not suited to their lifestyle. Provide plenty of shaded areas and caves and do not purchase this fish if you have a tank full of very active fish. It will most likely never come out to feed.
Even when kept on its own, it is an extremely shy fish that will most likely see darting in and out of caves. The only time you will be able to take a full body shot of the Swalesi basslet is during feeding. They are not aggressive fish and can be easily bullied by other species that share similar habitats in the aquarium.
Despite their incredible shyness, they are a very hardy fish. Not only is the swalesi basslet very resistant to diseases but they are very tolerant of water conditions. If they are feeding and they have a suitable environment, they are hardier than even the much vaunted clownfish and damselfish.
Species that come from the genus Liopropoma are all strictly carnivores that roam the rock structure for small prey to feed on. As such, smaller crustaceans such as the sexy shrimp and fish that can fit in their mouth are bad tankmates to consider.
They should be given meaty food on a daily basis. They usually do not accept dry fish food such as flake food or pellets. Some great choices for them include * Mysis Shrimp, * Prime Reef and * Frozen Krill. These basslets usually adapt very quickly to frozen foods after a few days.
Overall, the swalesi basslet is a very beautiful fish that is uncommon in the market. But their shy nature tends to put off many hobbyists in the end. If you cannot provide a quiet tank with plenty of shelter and space for it, it may be best to look elsewhere.
