Swissguard

Description

• Coloration: An overall red or yellow-orange body adorned with five wide black lines with red margins that run horizontally from snout to tail.
• Fins: A large black spot on the posterior dorsal fin and another on the anal fin, both often rimmed in a pale blue or white.
• Juvenile Appearance: Juveniles may have a more vibrant red-orange body with a distinct white stripe along the dorsal fin that fades as they mature. 

Habitat and Care

• Minimum Tank Size: At least a 10-gallon tank for a single individual, though a 30-gallon tank is generally recommended for better stability and to accommodate more rockwork.
• Aquascape: Plenty of live rock with ample hiding spots, caves, and overhangs to mimic its natural environment. A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are known to jump if startled.
• Water Conditions: Stable water parameters are key, with a temperature range of 74–78°F (23–26°C), pH of 8.1–8.4, and salinity between 1.023–1.025.
• Lighting and Flow: Prefers moderate to low light levels and moderate water flow. 

Behavior and Compatibility

• Reef Safe: They are considered reef-safe and do not harm corals, clams, or anemones. However, they are carnivorous and may prey on very small ornamental crustaceans or tiny fish that can fit in their mouth.
• Tank Mates: Best kept with other non-aggressive fish of similar size, such as certain gobies or damselfish. They should not be housed with other basslets or similar-looking species (conspecifics) in smaller tanks to avoid territorial aggression.
• Temperament: They are a shy species and will initially spend most of their time in their chosen cave. Given time, they will become bolder, especially during feeding time, and will learn to associate the owner’s presence with food. 

Diet

• Recommended foods: High-quality frozen or live mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and chopped meaty foods like clam, krill, or squid. They will also readily accept quality marine pellets and flake foods.