Swalesi Basslet
Scientific Name : Liopropoma Rubre
Origin : Caribbean Seas
Temperament : Peaceful
Temperature : 72F - 82F
Maximum Size : 3 Inches
Diet : Carnivore
Difficulty : Medium
Reef Safe : Yes
Tank Size : 50 Gallons
The Swissguard Basslet is was one of the first members of the genus Liopropoma to show up at marine aquarium stores more than a decade ago. Back then, they commanded very high prices and they while the price has dropped somewhat, they are still considered a pricey fish. They are also known as the peppermint bass.
The swissguard basslet is collected from the Caribbean where they are usually found hiding in liverock and rubble. They are never collected in large numbers and like all Liopropoma species, are considered uncommon in the market.
Considered a beautiful basslet, they have a pale pink body with red horizontal stripes. Unlike the Candy Basslet, they have a black dot on both the anal and dorsal fins. Candy basslets do not have a black dot on their anal fins.
Their scientific name is Liopropoma Rubre and like most members within the genus Liopropoma, they are a pricey marine fish. A specimen can fetch up to a hundred in the market.
Swissguard basslets are initially shy but become much bolder over time especially if they are housed in an aquarium with few tankmates. They are nowhere near as shy as the Swalesi Basslet which works in their favor.
Like other species within this family of fishes, the swissguard basslet is primarily a cave bass. They require ample hiding spots and plenty of shaded areas to feel secure. Not considered aggressive, they can be bullied so choose tankmates wisely.
All liopropoma are incredibly hardy marine fish once acclimated and feeding. They are also disease resistant and 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 swissguard basslet is a very beautiful fish that is uncommon in the market. Those that are looking at the Swalesi Basslet but cannot deal with how shy that fish is usually choose the swissguard baslet.
