THE STEINHART AQUARIUM - Gulf of Guinea Science ...

member of the genus Serranus, commonly
known as “dwarf sea basses.” The pointed
snout and distinct color pattern make it easy
to identify.
Chalk Bass
Serranus tortugarum (Serranidae)
Sea Basses: Groupers and Fairy Basslets
Distribution: Tropical western Atlantic:
southern Florida, Bahamas, Honduras and
Virgin Islands; throughout the Caribbean.
Habitat: Found over rubble, silty, or sandy
bottoms. Often congregate in small groups
hovering over a patch of coral rubble or an old
conch shell. Will often hide in the substrate.
Appearance: Body color a light purple with
bright blue to orange saddle bands along the
back. Different specimens of this species can
look very different from each other. Upper
side is darker than the ventral side. Max.
length: 8 cm.
Diet: Feeds on zooplankton.
Reproduction and Development: Like other
members of the genus Serranus, the chalk bass
is a synchronous hermaphrodite (has both male
and female organs). The mated pair takes turns
in which one acts as the male and the other the
female through multiple matings, usually over
the course of several nights.
Remarks: A non-aggressive species that adapts
to aquarium life well.
Orchid Dottyback
Pseudochromis fridmani (Pseudochromidae)
Dottybacks
Distribution: Western Indian Ocean: known
only from the Red Sea.
Habitat: Usually on vertical rock faces or
beneath overhangs, taking refuge in small
holes. Found at depths from 1–30 m.
Appearance: Rich lavender-red color with
scales trimmed in blue. A black stripe extends
from the mouth though the eye. Max. length:
c. 6 cm.
Diet: Small planktonic or rock-dwelling
crustaceans. The large mouth enables ingestion
of food items larger than most taken by fish
its size.
Reproduction and Development: Like
the rest of their family, this dottyback is
hermaphroditic, changing to either male or
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female. Fully adult super males have a pointed
filament on their tails. Pairs have been known
to breed in captivity.
Conservation Status: The orchid dottyback
was greatly reduced in the wild, almost to
the point of extinction until successful captive
breeding.
Remarks: A shy fish that needs suitable hiding
places.
Royal Dottyback
Pseudochromis paccagnellae (Pseudochromidae)
Dottybacks
Distribution: Indo-Pacific and western Pacific.
Habitat: Shallow coastal reefs to steep coral
and sponge-covered drop-offs, especially areas
with coral or rocky hiding places.
Appearance: Color: magenta and yellow with
a sharp delineation between the two colors.
Sexes similar; males may have brighter color.
Max size: 12 cm.
Diet: Mostly small invertebrates, including
worms, crustaceans, zooplankton.
Reproduction and Development: Females
produce a spherical mass of eggs that adhere
to a rocky substrate. After fertilization, the male
guards and fans the eggs to provide oxygen
until they hatch in about four days. Some
dottybacks have bred in captivity, including
the royal dottyback.
Remarks: Dottybacks often dive in and out of
crevices. Watch our royal dottyback zip about
its tank, appearing and disappearing.
With their sharp canines and feisty nature,
dottybacks are excellent hunters and staunch
defenders of their territory.
Royal Gramma
Gramma loreto (Grammatidae)
Basslets
Distribution: Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda.
Habitat: Small groups in caves, crevasses and
under ledges, 1–60 m.
Appearance: Length to 8 cm. Bicolored: magenta
anterior, brilliant orange posterior.
Diet: Feed on ectoparasites of other fishes.
Reproduction and Development: External
fertilization. Prior to spawning, some males
establish nest sites, using small holes and
crevices in the substratum. Females travel to
male nests for egg deposition around dawn.