Swissguard Basslet

About

The peppermint bass (Liopropoma rubre), also widely known as the Swissguard basslet, is a small, vividly patterned fish from the coral reefs of the western Atlantic, ranging from southern Florida and the Bahamas down to the northern coast of South America. In the wild it hugs the deep recesses and caves of the reef, and that instinct carries straight into the aquarium. This is a fish that will spend a good portion of its time tucked behind rockwork, peering out at the world on its own terms. It is on the bolder end of the spectrum for its genus, which does mean you will see it more than many of its close relatives, but "bold" is relative here, and patience is rewarded. When it does emerge, the horizontal red-orange and yellow striping running the length of the body makes it well worth the wait. Despite its shy nature, the peppermint bass is genuinely peaceful and coexists without much drama alongside other reef-safe tankmates. Its small adult size and relatively easygoing temperament make it approachable for intermediate keepers who can provide a well-established reef or fish-only system with plenty of caves and overhangs to help it feel secure.