Tobacco Basslet (Serranus tabacarius)
Max Size: 7 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution. May eat small fish and crustaceans
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
The Tobacco Basslet, also known as the Tobacco Fish, is commonly found in the tropical Western Atlantic. It has a light gray body on the bottom and a black and silver mottled pattern on the dorsal side, separated by an orange band. This basslet is a hardy species and is best kept in a fish-only or reef aquarium with caution. It is important to note that larger Tobacco Basslets may pose a threat to small crustaceans and fishes, especially tiny damselfish, small gobies, and blennies. A single individual should be kept in a tank of at least 70 gallons, while multiple specimens require a minimum of 125 gallons. It is recommended to introduce several Tobacco Basslets at the same time to avoid dominance of smaller members of the same species.
Similar to all members of the Serranus genus, the Tobacco Basslet is hermaphroditic.
As a carnivore, the Tobacco Basslet requires a diet of meaty foods such as finely chopped fresh or frozen marine fish, squid, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and frozen carnivore preparations for optimal health.