Peppermint Basslet

The Peppermint Basslet (Liopropoma rubre) is also known as Peppermint Bass, Swissguard Basslet, and Pacific Candy Basslet.

Liopropoma rubre has not been evaluated for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Geographical range, habitat and habits

The Peppermint Basslet is found in the Western Atlantic. Its geographical range stretches from the southern parts of Florida in the United States down to northern South America.

The Peppermint Basslets are typically found in deep recesses of coral reefs and their depth range is 3-45 meters / 10-148 feet. This species is rarely encountered by divers since it is secretive and prefers to stay hidden, but it is actually quite common. Most specimens live alone, but you can also find groups of six or more individuals. 

Size and appearance

The largest scientifically measured Peppermint Basslet was 100.0 cm / 39.4 in.

The body is of a yellow-orange or mustard shade and decorated with five wide black horizontal stripes that run along the sides bordered by red above as well as below. Four black spots can be seen on the body: one on the second dorsal fin, one on the anal fin, and two on the caudal fin. The two spots on the caudal fin are connected by a black bar.

In certain lighting, the black horizontal stripes can appear to be silvery.  

Peppermint Basslet care

It is not advisable to house Peppermint Basslet in aquariums smaller than 30 gallons / 113 liters. The aquarium must contain dark caves for the fish to rest in.

The Peppermint Basslet is considered reef safe, but it may eat small crustaceans. It is a semi-aggressive species that spend most of its time close to the bottom.  

The recommended water temperature is 72-78º F / 22-25º C. The pH-value should be kept within the 8.1-8.4 range, the hardness at dKH 8-12, and the specific gravity at 1.020-1.025.

Feeding Peppermint Basslet

The Peppermint Basslet is a carnivore species. It is important to provide the fish with a varied diet in the aquarium to ensure optimal health. You can for instance serve it mysid shrimps, zooplankton, flesh from marine fish and crustaceans, and pellets suitable for marine carnivores.

Breeding Peppermint Basslet

We have no information about breeding Peppermint Basslet in aquariums.

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