Meteor Basslet
Liopropoma susumi
Also known as: meteor perch, Pinstriped basslet, Pinstriped reef basslet, Striped basslet
A secretive reef cave-dweller with bold pinstripes and peaceful manners.
About
The Meteor Basslet (Liopropoma susumi) is a small, secretive fish from the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea all the way out to the Line Islands and Samoa, with records as far north as the Ryukyu Islands and as far south as Reunion and New Caledonia. In the wild it keeps close to caves and crevices on lagoon and seaward reefs, rarely venturing into open water. And it brings those same habits into the aquarium. Expect this fish to spend a lot of its time tucked into rockwork, emerging cautiously when it feels comfortable. It is one of the shyer members of an already reserved genus, so patience is part of the deal. Given time and a well-structured reef with plenty of hiding spots, it does settle in and will become a bit more visible, especially around feeding time. Its distinctive pinstriped patterning makes it easy to identify, and its small adult size means it fits comfortably in modestly sized reef setups. Temperamentally it is peaceful and unlikely to cause problems with other inhabitants. Feeding is straightforward for a carnivore of its size, though getting shy individuals to accept prepared foods can take some coaxing. A good pick for a calm, well-thought-out reef tank.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Meteor Basslet
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Meteor Basslet get?
- The Meteor Basslet reaches about 2–3.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Meteor Basslet need?
- A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for the Meteor Basslet.
- What water parameters does the Meteor Basslet need?
- The Meteor Basslet does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Meteor Basslet aggressive?
- The Meteor Basslet is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Meteor Basslet eat?
- The Meteor Basslet is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Meteor Basslet live?
- With good care, the Meteor Basslet typically lives 3-5 years.
- Is the Meteor Basslet reef safe?
- The Meteor Basslet is generally considered reef safe.