Serranus tabacarius

(Cuvier, 1829)

Tobacco Bass

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Bermuda and southern Florida, and south to northern Brazil.

Size: 8 inches (20 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits inshore reefs, and usually found at depths between 15 to about 200 feet (5 – 60 m) where it feeds on crustaceans and smaller fishes.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade and quite attractive and hardy. Has an orange/tannish body with small patches of blue on the snout, head and upper body.

Best maintained in aquaria having rock caves and crevices and possibly somewhat dimmed, as most specimens are taken from deep waters. If maintained in a brightly lit reef aquarium, will spend most of its time in its darker areas. Tankmates should be large enough not to be eaten and able to protect themselves, yet not overly aggressive.

As to diet, will eat most regular aquarium foods, e.g., live fortified brine shrimp and/or finely chopped various frozen or fresh meaty foods such as mysis, squid, fish flesh, shrimp, clam, etc., and should be offered once or twice daily.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Serranidae

Subfamily: Serraninae

Genus: Serranus

FYI: One per aquarium unless a mated pair.

Slightly aggressive towards passive species/tankmates, e.g., fire gobies, anthias, and small wrasses and other even larger species.

Will eat small ornamental shrimp and nip/pester larger shrimp.

Can jump out of uncovered aquariums.

Experience Level: Beginner

Temperament: Feisty/Bold

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: With caution

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 80°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5