Harlequin bass are also know from other names such as harlequin basslet, tiger bass, tiger basslets. Harlequin basslets are small and impressive species which make it manageable with aquariums. The fish have beautiful patterns of black and white colour over its body. It's body shape is like a torpedo and have countless lines and black marks on its body. It is also available in other colours such as yellow and tan. Although it do not grow large, but still the fish are aggressive temperament. The fish is extremely hardy and beautiful, which make it good choice for novice aquarist. Under captivity they can grow as long as 5 inches. The fish should be assimilated more then 3 hours before realising to your tank. Harlequin bass are substrate digger, they will try to dig any substrate they found. The fish can prey on smaller fishes or other smaller tank mates. Lager tank mates are hardly bothered by it.
Tank Set up
Harlequin bass are good fish for nano Marine tanks of capacity 30 gallons. The tank must have low intensity light. The aquarium must also have sand substrate, since the fish loves digging. Lots of hiding spots, caves, rock structure, crevices must be present in tank. If you want to keep a group then you must have larger tank because of their territorial nature. The fish is not 100% reef compatible, caution must be taken.
Tank mates
Tank mates for harlequin bass must be choose wisely. The fish is quite aggressive for their own type except for pairing mate. The fish is quite territorial also, the aggression level increases if they are kept hungry. Tank mates must be larger and peaceful. Damsels, clownfish, boxfish, cromis, butterflies, gobies are generally compatible with basslets.
Diet
Harlquin basslet's diet must consist of meaty food. They need protein rich diet to survive and show colours. Harlequin basslet requires diet consisting of chopped krill, crustacean, mysis shrimps, frozen shrimps, live fish, chopped squid, small carnivores pellets and flake food. Give them 2-3 times per day with the listed food. Varied diet will help them building immunity and colours.
Care : Easy
Temperament : aggressive
Tank size : 30 gallons
Diet : omnivorous
Life span : 5 years or more
Tank mates : peaceful and large
Temperature : 22-26 degrees Celsius
Size : 5 inches
Reef compatible : with caution