Swalesi Basslet

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive   • Maximum Size: 3"
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons   • Water Conditions: 74-80° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Diet: Carnivore   • Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Atlantic
• Family: Serranidae   • Species: Basslets   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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Swalesi Basslets are a vividly colorful Indo-Pacific species that make a spectacular addition to "nano" aquariums as well as larger community reef systems. Swalesi Basslets are also referred to as Pacific Candy Basslets and Swalesi Swissguard Basslets due to their close similarities with the Candy Basslets and Swissguard Basslets of the Atlantic Ocean. They have a beautiful coloration of alternating, horizontal lines of white to gray and bright orange to yellow-orange that run from end to end.

Swalesi Basslets can be identified by their color form as well as the black ocelli blotches with white to blue-gray borders at the tips of their anal and dorsal fins. Swalesi Basslets are less common within the hobby, but are an outstanding species for beginners and advanced hobbyists looking for a hardy, easy to care for species that will provide a nice contrast and splash of color to their aquarium.

Swalesi Basslets require an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with sandy substrate and plenty of live rock for territory and shelter. A sealed aquarium top is highly recommended as they are known to be jumpers. Swalesi Basslets are a "reef safe" species, but have been known to eat tiny shrimp along with their craving for amphipods and copepods; the larger ornamental/cleaner shrimp (i.e.; Blood Red Fire Shrimp, Peppermint Shrimp, Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, and similar species) should be completely safe. They are generally peaceful and should be housed with tank mates of a similar nature but that can sometimes become semi-aggressive and territorial towards similar shaped species and conspecifics.

The Swalesi Basslet is a carnivore and mainly feeds on crustaceans and tiny fish among the reef within its natural environment. In an aquarium environment, they should be fed a variety of meaty food items such as live, frozen, freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, ghost shrimp, chopped krill, chopped fish, chopped squid, and chopped crab meat. They will also readily accept carnivore/omnivore (Spirulina based) pellets and flake foods. Feeding twice per day and only what will be consumed within a few minutes.