Blunt-nosed Basslet

[melson]

Anybody have any experience with the Blunt-nosed Basslet aka Bullisicthys caribbaeus? Their behavior, feeding habits, etc? The one article about the species mentioned they need to live in low lighting however they live in depths from 3-50 feet?

 

I would really like to keep the fish in a 8g biotope with a Royal Gramma. Any knowledge if this is possible? Anyone have the fish or even observed this fish in the wild?

[Mirya]

Both of the fish you mention are going to want to fill the same niche in the tank -- rock/cave dwelling. Yes, as they settle, they will be free swimming in the tank, but they will both want to go to the rocks at night to sleep or when feeling stressed. I don't think you are going to have enough rockwork in an 8g to keep those two fish together stress-free.

 

I'm sure you've seen the article on ReefBuilders, but if you haven't here it is. It also sounds like Dynasty Marine is the only importer who has been bringing them in, so you'd need to work with a fish store who does business with them to order one.

[melson]

Thanks Mirya! Yes that is the article I am referencing! I tried to really amp the cavework in my 8g in anticipation of both but I think you might be right. I was looking for a nano sized fish that is uncommon in the reefkeeping game for my Caribbean Biotope, maybe I will have to keep looking unless I find information saying otherwise.

[jedimasterben]

I was looking for a nano sized fish that is uncommon in the reefkeeping game for my Caribbean Biotope

If you've got the pockets, Liopropoma carmabi

[1.0reef]

Anybody have any experience with the Blunt-nosed Basslet aka Bullisicthys caribbaeus? Their behavior, feeding habits, etc? The one article about the species mentioned they need to live in low lighting however they live in depths from 3-50 feet? Shy, small, likely peaceful, low lighting. They live bellow 100 meters unter sealevel.

 

I would really like to keep the fish in a 8g biotope with a Royal Gramma. Any knowledge if this is possible? Anyone have the fish or even observed this fish in the wild?

That could be possible, but the Gramma will be a lot larger and more territorial (Especially in an 8 gallon) so i wouldn't mix them. That is, if you can find of these basslets for sale.

If you've got the pockets, Liopropoma carmabi

Agreed.

[zooman72]

You are going to have to probably keep the gramma by itself or paired (starting with a very small duo) in a tank that small, or try it without the gramma.

 

Take a look at masked gobies from KP Aquatics (Coryphopterus personatus) - cool little fish that can be kept in groups. One of my LFS has a pair in a large display/ sale tank (no large predators of course), and they are always out front and center, hovering in place, and while they do not have outrageous color, they do have a subtle beauty. I am planning on a trio for my 9g in my office shortly.