Tobacco Basslet

About the Tobacco Basslet

The Tobacco Basslet (Serranus tabacarius) is an elegant and peaceful basslet featuring warm tobacco-brown to orange coloration with distinctive blue striping along the face and body. This hardy, reef-safe fish brings subtle beauty and calm energy to community reef aquariums. Often overlooked in favor of more vibrant species, the Tobacco Basslet offers understated elegance and exceptional hardiness that makes it a favorite among experienced reef keepers.

Why Reef Keepers Love This Fish

• Elegant Coloration: Warm tobacco-brown to orange body with striking blue facial stripes and accents
• Peaceful Temperament: One of the most docile basslets, ideal for peaceful community reef tanks
• Reef-Safe: Won't harm corals or invertebrates, making it perfect for mixed reef systems
• Hardy & Adaptable: Disease-resistant and forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations
• Active Swimmer: Constantly on the move, exploring rockwork and open water areas
• Small Footprint: Compact size makes it suitable for medium-sized reef systems
• Beginner-Friendly: Easy to feed and care for, accepts prepared foods readily

Care Requirements

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Diet: Carnivore—readily accepts frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, high-quality pellets, and other meaty preparations. Feed 1-2 times daily.
Max Size: 6-7 inches

Ideal Water Parameters

Temperature: 72-78°F
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: 1.023-1.025 SG
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: <20 ppm

Tank Placement & Behavior

Tobacco Basslets are active swimmers that utilize all levels of the aquarium, from rockwork crevices to open water. They're peaceful with other fish and can be kept with a wide variety of tank mates, including other peaceful basslets, gobies, blennies, and even smaller fish. Unlike some basslets that can be aggressive or territorial, Tobacco Basslets are notably docile and make excellent community fish.

They appreciate plenty of live rock with caves and overhangs where they can retreat if startled, but once established, they become bold and visible throughout the day. Their subtle coloration creates a beautiful contrast against colorful corals and more vibrant fish species.

What to Expect

Your Tobacco Basslet will arrive healthy and ready to acclimate. They may be shy initially but will quickly become confident, active members of your reef community. These fish are easy to feed, accepting frozen and prepared foods from day one. Their warm tobacco coloration intensifies under quality reef lighting, and the blue facial stripes become more pronounced as they mature. With their peaceful nature, hardiness, and elegant appearance, Tobacco Basslets are excellent additions to community reef tanks of all experience levels.