Care
The Caribbean Blue Bass is often found in large aggregations over rubbly, sandy, or silty bottoms around the immediate periphery of coral reefs, to depths of 90m (295ft). Here, these beautiful shoaling fish gather to feed on zooplankton in the water column, but never stray far from cover. This is an ideal species for the reef tank - small, hardy, colourful, peaceful, and safe with most invertebrates (with the exception of tiny ornamental shrimps), so it is a pity we do not see it more often in the shops. Provide plenty of shady crevices and overhangs amongst the live rock so that these somewhat shy fish feel secure. The more hiding places that are available, the more you will see these fish out in the open, as they know they have a multitude of safe spaces to retreat to should they feel threatened. Filtration should be efficient, with areas of brisk water movement, and some calmer resting spots out of the current. Caribbean Blue Bass should always be maintained in good sized groups of 5 or more, introduced simultaneously. Tankmates can include a wide array of other small-medium peaceable species. Avoid keeping with other bass species, aggressive damselfish, or territorial bottom-dwellers. This species will jump from an open aquarium, particularly soon after being introduced, so do ensure that the tank has a secure cover. May also be seen on sale as Chalk Bass.
Feeding
In the wild, this species is constantly on the lookout for food, taking zooplankton from the water column. Due to their fast metabolism, they require feeding in small amounts several times per day if they are to maintain good health. Offer a variety of fine meaty foodstuffs such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill/prawns etc in addition to zooplankton preparations (containing copepods and rotifers) which are often available in either frozen or refrigerated forms. Many will also take dried foods in time.
Breeding
This pelagic spawner has not been bred in the home aquarium. Would make an excellent breeding project for the serious hobbyist.
