The Chalk Bass is a much under-rated fish within the aquarium hobby. They are active little fish, with interesting patterns and colours, that are usually model citizens within any reef aquarium.

Chalk Bass
Chalk Bass

The Chalk Basslet is considered a hardy little fish that is ideal for both small tanks and beginner aquarists. They are not prone to illness and will usually behave nicely in your tank, leaving corals and other fish alone.

Interestingly, the Chalk Bass has both male and female reproductive organs, but they are not thought to self fertilise.

They can be kept in small groups, which makes them an ideal candidate for people looking for a small shoaling fish for larger aquariums.

Tank Requirements & Facts

Chalk Basslet
Chalk Basslet
  • Minimum tank size: 20 Gallon (90 Litres)
  • Prone to disease: No, these are hardy little fish
  • Beginner Compatible: Yes
  • Adult Size: 3 inches (7.5cm)
  • Reef Compatible: Yes
  • Predator Tank Compatible: No
  • Care Level: Easy
  • pH: 8.1 to 8.4
  • Temperature: 24°C to 27°C
  • Preferred Tank Level: Any
  • Lots of hiding places required
  • Number to a tank: Can be kept singularly or in a shoal.

Feeding

Chalk Basslets are considered easy to care for and will take most foods put into the aquarium. A variety of meaty and flaked foods will see them do well.

  • These are carnivores
  • A varied diet will help with health
  • They are fast eaters
  • Live foods, frozen foods, pellets and flake will all be accepted

Acclimatisation

Place your fish in the bucket and then drip acclimate for about 60 minutes at a rate of 3 drips per second. This should bring the fishes water parameters in line with your tanks parameters.

Once your fish has been drip acclimated, catch the fish with a net and place it gently into your tank. Do not put any of the water the fish originally came in, into your tank.

Care should be taken after adding the fish to ensure there is a tightly fitting lid on the aquarium at all times. These fish are known jumpers, so a tight fitting lid is required.

Donations

This website is expensive to run in both monetary value and time. If you like what you see, and find this site helpful, please consider donating towards the running costs of the site.