Lantern Basslet
Serranus baldwini
Price range: $25.99 through $41.99
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only 1 left | 1.25" or smaller - Caribbean | Original price was: $49.99.$25.99Current price is: $25.99. |
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| In Stock | 1.25 - 2.25" - Caribbean | Original price was: $78.99.$41.99Current price is: $41.99. |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
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 | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 3 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Lantern Basslet (Serranus baldwini) is a small Caribbean dwarf seabass with a light base color broken up by darker orange-brown blotches, plus distinct dark markings near the tail. It typically stays close to rockwork and rubble zones, using caves and ledges as a home base while it watches the water column for food.
What You’ll Observe:
- Picks a favorite cave or overhang and returns to it throughout the day
- Short “patrol” swims from the rockwork, then quick returns to cover
- Strong feeding response, especially to small meaty frozen foods
- A noticeable “perch and pounce” hunting style around the lower rockscape
Provide a reef-style aquascape with several small caves and shaded gaps so it can settle into a spot that feels secure. Offer small meaty foods (like mysis and finely chopped seafood) along with a quality sinking pellet, and spread food across the tank so it can feed naturally from multiple angles.
How long does a Lantern Basslet usually hide when first introduced?
It’s common for it to spend the first few days staying deep in the rockwork and only making quick appearances, especially around feeding time.
Why is it interested in another fish’s cave or burrow?
Many basslets gravitate to the same “best” shelter in the tank (a shaded entrance with a tight ceiling). Adding several similar shelters often spreads this behavior out across the rockwork.
Can I keep a Lantern Basslet and a Royal Gramma together?
Many hobbyists aim for this mix by giving both fish defined rockwork zones and adding them when the tank isn’t already dominated by a single cave-dweller. The key is making sure there are multiple “prime” hideouts available.
Can two Lantern Basslets be kept as a pair?
Some aquarists try pairs by introducing two at the same time and letting them sort out a spacing routine in the rockwork. In practice, results vary by individual fish and how many separate shelters the aquascape provides.
Why does it act so intense at feeding time?
They often feed with a fast, direct “grab and go” style. Using smaller portions and distributing food across the tank helps keep feeding orderly and lets slower tankmates get their share.
Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.
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