Care
The Hi-Fin Chequered Perchlet is a solitary species, known from deep coastal and inner reef drop-offs from 30-65m (98-213ft) where it may be observed hiding amongst rubble and rock crevices. This fish belongs to the family Serranidae (the sea basses, groupers, and fairy basslets) and is one of around 50 species of reef perchlets currently classified within the
Plectranthias genus. However, due to their preference for deepwater habitats, the majority of these fish are seldom seen in the trade;
P. inermis perhaps being the species one is most likely to encounter. Despite their scarcity in the shops, these fish are much sought after - largely due to their relative hardiness, attractiveness, easy-to-feed nature, small adult size (most species), and the fact that they do not pick on sessile invertebrates and leave the vast majority of motile invertebrates alone (all but the smallest species should be safe). Although the Hi-Fin Chequered Perchlet is fairly secretive, it makes a fascinating addition to reef aquaria, and often becomes bolder over time. The tank should be mature and furnished with a plethora of live rock to provide feeding opportunities and shady hiding places amongst crevices and caves. As a naturally solitary species, it is best to keep only one per tank, and not with any closely related fish, as despite its general shyness, the Hi-Fin Chequered Perchlet will not appreciate them intruding upon its territory. Tankmates to avoid include species such as dottybacks, grammas, firefish, and some of the wrasses, as many tend to occupy the same niches as the Hi-Fin Chequered Perchlet. Do not house with large, aggressive species as these may intimidate the Hi-Fin Chequered Perchlet, particularly at feeding time. Ideal companions could include
Anthias spp., blennies, dwarf angelfish (but not all - research carefully), gobies, and smaller tangs. Powerful filtration and circulation with a high level of oxygenation are a must, as are tight fitting coverslides on account of the Hi-Fin Chequered Perchlet"™s ability to jump. Interestingly, in the wild, the bright pink-red colouration is perceived as dark grey to almost black in the natural light available in the deepwater habitats. May also be seen on sale as Chequered Perchlet, Geometric Perchlet, Hifin Perchlet, and some shops may even have it erroneously labelled as a dwarf hawkfish (which is somewhat understandable, given its hawkfish-like behaviour).
Feeding
Feed a variety of meaty foods in small amounts several times per day, including Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill/ cockle/ mussel/ prawns/ squid/ clam/ fish flesh etc.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
