Serranus tortugarum

Quick Stats

Care Level: Easy Temperament: Semi-aggressive Color Form: Blue, Orange, Purple Diet: Carnivore Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 Max. Size: 3″ Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Atlantic Family: Serranidae Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Overview

The Chalk Bass, from the Caribbean, is one of the smaller bass within this family, and is a great fish for beginners. The body is orange in color with a purple mid-section. Electric blue vertical bands, which add to their appeal, accentuate these fish.

A 30-gallon aquarium, with plenty of live rock for hiding, is ideal for the Chalk bass. They are not aggressive towards other fish, and multiple specimens can be added to the aquarium, as long as it is at the same time. They will not pick at corals or sessile invertebrates, and are a great fish for the reef aquarium. Larger specimens may attack small shrimps, especially those within the Periclimenes genus.

An extremely hardy fish, the Chalk Bass requires a diet consisting of a variety of chopped meaty items, vitamin enriched brine and mysis shrimp and flake foods.

Approximate purchase size: Small 1″ to 2″ Medium 2″ to 3″