Description
Collette’s Swiss Guard Basslet (Liopropoma collettei)
Overview
Collette’s Swiss Guard Basslet is a beautifully refined and rare reef species, displaying a golden-orange body with elegant horizontal magenta stripes. Peaceful, shy, and strikingly colored, this deepwater basslet is a prized addition for aquarists seeking something truly unique and graceful for their marine aquarium.
Origin
Native to the Western Pacific, including regions around Indonesia and the Philippines, Liopropoma collettei inhabits deeper coral reef slopes and overhangs, often found hiding within rock crevices and caves.
Feeding
A carnivorous species that thrives on meaty marine foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and small pellet or frozen diets. Feed once or twice daily to maintain color and condition.
Tank Mates
Peaceful and reef-safe, this species can be housed with other calm reef fish such as gobies, blennies, anthias, and small wrasses. Avoid aggressive or boisterous species that may outcompete or stress this timid fish.
Aggression
Very peaceful and secretive by nature. It prefers dim lighting, plenty of rockwork, and shaded areas where it can retreat and feel secure. Over time, it becomes more visible and confident in the aquarium.
Experience Level
Recommended for intermediate to advanced aquarists due to its shy nature and preference for stable, mature aquariums. Once established, it is hardy and long-lived, making it a rewarding species for dedicated marine keepers.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 74°F – 80°F (23°C – 27°C)
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Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 SG
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pH: 8.1 – 8.4
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Alkalinity: 8 – 12 dKH
Elegant, rare, and peaceful, Collette’s Swiss Guard Basslet brings a touch of deepwater beauty and sophistication to any well-established reef or community aquarium.
