Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet

Description

The Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet, scientifically known as Liopropoma rubre, is a small and strikingly colourful fish. It reaches a maximum size of around 3 inches (7.5 cm). This basslet species has an elongated body with a slightly compressed shape. It showcases a vibrant red coloration throughout its body, which makes it a visually stunning addition to any aquarium. The fins of the Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet are also adorned with beautiful red hues, complementing its overall appearance.

Natural Habitat:

In its natural habitat, the Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet can be found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, specifically in the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas with abundant hiding spots such as caves, crevices, and coral formations. These areas provide the basslet with shelter and protection from predators, as well as a suitable environment for foraging.

Keeping the Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet Healthy:

These fish requires a well-maintained aquarium environment to thrive. It is considered moderately challenging to care for due to its specific requirements. Maintaining stable water parameters, including temperature, pH, and KH levels, is crucial for their well-being. They prefer a temperature range of 75-80°F (24-27°C), a pH range of 8.1-8.4, and a KH range of 8-12 dKH. Regular water testing and appropriate adjustments are necessary to ensure optimal conditions.

Special Requirements and Feeding:

The Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet is a carnivorous species, and its diet should consist of high-quality meaty foods. Offer a varied diet that includes small crustaceans, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped fish. It is recommended to feed them multiple small meals throughout the day to mimic their natural feeding behaviour. Providing live or frozen foods will help maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

How Many Should I Keep:

The Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet can be kept as a solitary fish or in small groups, depending on the size of the aquarium. If keeping them in a group, ensure there is ample space and hiding spots to minimize aggression and territorial behaviour. A general guideline is to provide at least 20 gallons (75 liters) of tank capacity per fish.

Lighting Preference:

These basslets do well under moderate to high lighting levels in the aquarium. Proper lighting helps enhance their vibrant red coloration and brings out their natural beauty. Consider providing a lighting setup that replicates the intensity and spectrum found in their natural reef habitat.

Suitable Tank Mates:

The Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet is generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behaviour towards similar-looking species or conspecifics. Suitable tank mates include peaceful reef-safe fish species such as small gobies, dartfish, or other non-aggressive community fish. Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive species or those known to nip at the fins of smaller fish.

Breeding Liopropoma rubre:

Breeding the Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet, Liopropoma rubre, in a home aquarium setting is a challenging endeavour. The specific breeding behaviour and requirements of this species are not extensively documented, and successful captive breeding attempts are relatively rare.

1. Set up

To increase the chances of successful breeding, it is recommended to provide the basslets with an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. This includes offering appropriate hiding spots, such as caves or crevices, where the breeding pair can lay their eggs and protect them from potential predators.

Creating a separate breeding tank or utilizing a partition within the main tank can help isolate the breeding pair and reduce potential aggression from other tank mates. The water parameters should be maintained at optimal levels, including a stable temperature ranging from 76-80°F (24-27°C), a pH level around 8.1-8.4, and a KH range of 8-12 dKH.

1. Diet

Feeding the breeding pair a nutritious diet rich in live or frozen foods can also contribute to their overall health and reproductive success. Offer them a variety of small crustaceans, brine shrimp, and finely chopped fish to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients.

1. Eggs

When conditions are favourable, the female Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet will lay a clutch of adhesive eggs on a suitable surface within their chosen hiding spot. The male will then fertilize the eggs, and both parents will take turns guarding and aerating the eggs until they hatch.

1. Rearing

However, successfully rearing the fry from the hatching stage to juveniles can be extremely challenging. The fry are tiny and require specialized care, including providing them with live rotifers or other suitable food sources in order to ensure proper nutrition and growth. The rearing tank should have pristine water quality and appropriate live foods available to support their development.

It’s important to note that breeding the Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet is a complex and rare achievement, requiring a significant level of expertise, specialized equipment, and patience. Therefore, it is often more feasible to obtain this species from reputable sources rather than relying on captive-bred specimens.

Sexual Dimorphism:

There is limited information available regarding the sexual dimorphism of the Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet. In general, it is challenging to visually distinguish between males and females in this species without close examination or specialized techniques.

Distribution:

The Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet, Liopropoma rubre, is naturally found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, specifically in the Caribbean Sea. Its distribution includes regions such as the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and various Caribbean islands. It inhabits reef systems in these areas, where it can be encountered among coral formations and rocky outcrops.

Summary:

The Rubre Swissguard Pygmy Basslet, or Liopropoma rubre, is a captivating fish known for its vibrant red coloration and small size. While it adds a beautiful touch to aquariums, it requires careful attention to maintain its delicate nature. With appropriate water parameters, a varied carnivorous diet, and suitable tank mates, these fish can thrive in a well-maintained reef tank. Although breeding this species is challenging and not well-documented, providing optimal conditions can contribute to their overall health and well-being.

The Fish pictured here are representative only and the livestock you receive may vary in pattern, coloration, and shape.