Tobacco Basslet

Tobacco Basslet

The tobacco basslet is a small but onery saltwater fish known for its tobacco color and pugnacious style. The basslet is native to the Tropical Western Atlantic and Caribbean regions. The fish was discovered and named by famous ichthyologist (back when everyone was just called a zoologist) Georges Cuvier - who loved his cigars. The tobacco basslet is typically found over sandy or rocky bottom areas near reefs and drop-offs. It adapts to any substrate in the aquarium.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Tobacco Basslet is an opportunistic predator. In the wild, its diet consists mainly of small crustaceans and smaller fish. In captivity, it readily accepts a varied diet of meaty frozen foods, including mysis shrimp, finely chopped squid, enriched brine shrimp, and marine fish flesh. They are generally easy to feed and will often take high-quality marine pellets and flake foods as well.
• Feeding: Due to their higher metabolism, feed them 1-2 times daily, offering only what they can consume quickly.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe With Caution. While the Tobacco Basslet will leave corals alone, its predatory nature means it will readily consume small, ornamental invertebrates (shrimp and small crabs) and any fish small enough to fit into its mouth, including tiny gobies, blennies, and some damselfish. It is best suited for a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) system.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Territorial. They are generally peaceful toward larger, robust fish but can be aggressive toward smaller, more docile tankmates, especially those that swim near the bottom. If keeping more than one Tobacco Basslet, the tank must be very large (125+ gallons), and all individuals should be introduced simultaneously to mitigate dominance issues.
• Tank Requirements: A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended for a single adult to provide adequate swimming room and plenty of live rock for hiding places and territorial establishment. They are known jumpers, so a secure lid is essential.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Serranus tabacarius
• Primary Common Name: Tobacco Basslet
• Other Common Names: Tobacco Fish, Tobacco Bass, Tobaccofish
• Origin: Tropical Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Bermuda
• Max Size: 7-8.5 inches (18-22 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
• Diet: Carnivore (Meaty frozen foods, pellets)
• Minimum Tank Size: 70+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Will eat small shrimp and fish)
• Unique Feature: Synchronous Hermaphrodite (possesses both sexes)