Fish ID

Shirley Weller · Mar 26, 2021

Can someone identify this fish? The length is approximately 3”. My lfs that I got it from said it’s a hawkfish but I’ve not found any that even come close to this fish. He doesn’t perch, swims in the lower area of the tank, & likes to stay in a cave.
Thx

Rmckoy · Mar 26, 2021

Looks like some sort of wrasse .
but hard to tell from the picture

Soren · Mar 26, 2021

Harlequin Basslet (Serranus tigrinus)

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Mar 26, 2021

Basselet? Most hawkfish dont have a true swim bladder i think and just hop around the bottom. Liveaquaria or saltwaterfish.com should have a pic

vetteguy53081 · Mar 26, 2021

Harlequin Bass and not a good occupant for tank. Very territorial and will attack ornamental inverts. They will also eat smaller fish and invertebrates present in tank, though they will not eat or bother any corals. Diet should include a variety of feeder shrimp, chopped meaty foods including shrimp, krill, fish, crab and squid 1-2 times daily.

Shirley Weller · Mar 26, 2021

Soren said:
Harlequin Basslet (Serranus tigrinus)

You’re right. He looks just like the picture you linked. Thx so much!

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Mar 26, 2021

Ya not a good member of a new reef.
Will eat cuc and shrimp. Crabs. Ect.
Little semi aggressive ^^^ as said.
D

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Mar 26, 2021

Id try a small one in a old estaished reef maybe. Lol
D

Soren · Mar 26, 2021

Shirley Weller said:
You’re right. He looks just like the picture you linked. Thx so much!

If you really like this fish but want something much smaller and reef-safe, check out the Lantern Basslet (Serranus baldwini) that is similar, albeit brown/orange/red and white instead of black and white.

Shirley Weller · Mar 26, 2021

He’s in a reef tank with a marine betta that is slightly larger & the only other fish in the tank. There are also 3 peppermint shrimp & various small crabs in the tank. I’m thinking I should probably catch him & return him to my lfs. Is he worse than the marine betta so far as taking out invertebrates?

Soren · Mar 26, 2021

Shirley Weller said:
He’s in a reef tank with a marine betta that is slightly larger & the only other fish in the tank. There are also 3 peppermint shrimp & various small crabs in the tank. I’m thinking I should probably catch him & return him to my lfs. Is he worse than the marine betta so far as taking out invertebrates?

I don't have experience with either fish, but research would seem to indicate that they may be fine together and will pose similar risks to other inhabitants. Marine bettas only reach ~8" length while harlequin basslets can reach ~12" length. Your shrimp and crabs are probably likely meals for one of your fish as they get larger, especially for the harlequin basslet.