Collette’s Reef Basslet
Liopropoma collettei
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 10 gallons |
| Max Size | 3 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
Collette’s Reef Basslet (Liopropoma collettei) is a small reef basslet with a pink-to-reddish body and bold horizontal striping. It’s a Pacific reef species that naturally stays close to rockwork, using caves and ledges as its home base.
What You’ll Observe:
- Short “patrol” swims out from a favorite crevice, then a quick return to the same hiding spot
- Regular perching under overhangs and along shaded rock faces, especially when the tank is quiet
- A consistent routine of peeking out during feeding time and learning your schedule
- Increasing day-to-day visibility as it settles in and claims a specific rock zone
To help it settle quickly, provide a rock structure with several tight caves and overhangs so it can pick a secure retreat. Offer appropriately sized meaty foods in areas where it feels comfortable coming out, and maintain a steady, low-stress tank environment so it spends more time in the open.
Why does my basslet disappear for days at a time?
It’s common for this genus to spend long stretches tucked into rockwork, especially right after introduction. Most become more visible once they associate the tank with consistent feeding and feel ownership of a favorite crevice.
Will it stay in one cave, or roam the whole tank?
Many individuals pick a “home” cave and make short loops around it. You’ll usually see the most activity within a small radius of that chosen shelter.
Can I keep it with other cave-dwelling fish that use the same spaces?
It works best when the aquascape has multiple separated hideouts so each fish can claim its own spot. When caves are limited, you’ll often see one fish consistently occupying the prime ledge.
How do I get it comfortable eating in the open?
Start by feeding near its chosen hiding area, then gradually shift the food a little farther out over time. Using a baster to place food precisely often helps build confidence.
Is it normal for it to be out more at certain times of day?
Yes—many basslets show more activity in lower-light periods and when the room is calm. Once acclimated, they often expand their “active hours,” especially around predictable feeding times.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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