Swales Basslet
Liopropoma swalesi
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Basslets
Family: Grammidae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Swales Basslet
General information
Swales Basslet is a small, peaceful, and colorful saltwater fish that belongs to the family Serranidae. The species is native to the Western Atlantic Ocean and can be found in the Caribbean Sea. The maximum length of the Swales Basslet is around 4 inches (10 cm). They are usually found in deep reefs, around 100 to 500 feet (30 to 150 m) deep.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, Swales Basslet feeds on small fishes and crustaceans. In captivity, they should be fed a varied diet that includes frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, small pieces of seafood, and high-quality pellet and flake foods.
Determining sex
It is difficult to distinguish between male and female Swales Basslet visually. There are no known external physical differences between the two sexes.
Breeding & spawning
There is limited information on the breeding and spawning of Swales Basslet in captivity. They are known to be protogynous hermaphrodites, where females can turn into males in the absence of a male in the group.
Diseases
Swales Basslet is generally healthy and hardy if kept in optimal conditions. Like other saltwater fish, they can be susceptible to parasitic and bacterial infections, as well as stress-related diseases. Maintaining proper water quality and providing a balanced diet can help prevent many diseases.
Origination
Swales Basslet is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the Caribbean Sea, ranging from Florida to the Gulf of Mexico, and south to Venezuela.
Cautions
Swales Basslet is not known to be aggressive towards humans. However, they are carnivorous and can be aggressive towards other fish of similar size and shape. When introducing them to a new aquarium, it is recommended to keep them with peaceful tankmates and provide plenty of hiding places.
Acclimation process
Acclimating Swales Basslet is important to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition to the new environment. They should be slowly acclimated to the water parameters and temperature of the new aquarium using the drip acclimation method over a period of one to two hours.
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