Swissguard Basslet

The Swissguard Basslet is a visually stunning and highly secretive species from the Caribbean, named for its bold red and white striped pattern that evokes the uniform of the Vatican's Swiss Guard. Its body features alternating horizontal stripes of deep cherry red and creamy white, accented with subtle yellow tones on the tail and fins. At a maximum size of approximately 3 inches, this diminutive beauty is perfectly proportioned for smaller reef aquariums, though its reclusive nature means it is more often heard about than seen in the typical community tank.

In the wild, Swissguard Basslets inhabit deep reef walls, overhangs, and cave-studded reef faces in the Caribbean, typically at depths of 10 to over 100 feet. They are extremely secretive, spending the vast majority of their time hidden within crevices and emerging only briefly to snatch passing zooplankton and small crustaceans before retreating back into cover. This cave-dwelling lifestyle means that in the aquarium, they require extensive rockwork with deep recesses and overhangs where they feel secure. Over time, well-established specimens become bolder and more visible, especially during feeding.

The Swissguard Basslet is classified as an intermediate-level species primarily because of its initial shyness and the patience required to acclimate it. It is otherwise quite hardy once settled and readily accepts frozen and prepared foods. Its peaceful temperament makes it an ideal reef community fish, though it is best housed with other calm, non-aggressive species that will not intimidate it. It should not be kept with boisterous or highly competitive feeders. Provide dimmer lighting zones or shaded areas in the aquascape to encourage it to venture out of hiding more frequently.