Reef Basslets

Critter Spotlight: Liopropoma multilineatum

Photo Credit: John Randall

These fishes belong in the Order Perciformes and Suborder Percoidei, and are members of the Family Serranidae (Groupers & Anthias). These benthic Reef Basslets are in the Genus Liopropoma, with many looking similarly shaped and occupying similar habitats. They are also quite diverse location-wise and occur in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. Since they keep close to the substrate, they may do better in reef-like environments.

Reef Basslets are a deeper water species and come out to feed at dusk. They are quite secretive and difficult to catch in the wild. Usually shy when first placed in the aquarium and should have many hiding places. Keep in mind they may eat small crustaceans. They are prone to hiding if kept under bright lighting.

For much more information on many of the species mentioned below, recommend reading "Basslets, Dottybacks & Hawkfishes" by Scott Michael ISBN 1-890087-33-5.

Liopropoma

• Liopropoma africanum (African Basslet)
• Liopropoma aurora (Yellowmargin/Aurora/Sunset Basslet)
• Liopropoma carmabi (Candy Basslet)
• Liopropoma eukrines (Wrasse Basslet)
• Liopropoma fasciata (Banded/Rainbow Bass)
• Liopropoma mitratum (Pinstriped Basslet)
• Liopropoma mowbrayi (Cave Bass/Ridgeback Basslet)
• Liopropoma multilineatum (Manyline/Yellow Basslet)
• Liopropoma rube (Swissguard/Peppermint Basslet)
• Liopropoma susumi (Meteor Perch)
• Liopropoma swales (Yellowmargin/Aurora/Sunset Basslet)