Serranus tortugarum

Serranus tortugarum, commonly known as the Chalk bass, is a beautiful small basslet. These fish are quite variable with a base colour ranging from pinkish to light blue and vertical bands that range from brown to red. The bands don’t line up above and below the lateral line. Giving it a unique appearance.

In nature these fishes are often found in small groups hovering over some coral rubble or some other shelter. In our aquaria they can be kept alone or in a small group. If you want to keep them as a small group, it’s best to introduce them all at the same time. Towards other fish they're usually quite friendly but be careful with other basslets or similar shaped fishes. These fish are perfect fish for almost any aquarium. They can be quite shy in the beginning but once settled these fish show amazing colours, are friendly, hardy and easy to feed.

These fish feed mainly on zooplankton, so make sure to feed them a varied diet of small meaty live and frozen foods until they're settled in your aquarium. Once settled, they should usually start eating flakes and pellets as well.