Chalk bass (Serranus tortugarum) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Serranidae (sea basses and groupers)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
8 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
120 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

Provide rockwork with caves near the sand and some open water. The minimum tank size of about 120 litres is our own estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources. No species-specific water figures are given in the sources, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance rather than figures for this fish: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.023–1.026. Keep conditions stable, with low nitrate and good oxygenation. A small, hardy and peaceful sea bass that can be kept in small groups if each fish has space. Iridescent blue body with a dark top broken by small vertical blue bars. Comes from the tropical western Atlantic and is a popular small reef fish. This page was written from the Wikipedia list entry only; the species article could not be checked this time, so details should be confirmed before relying on them. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats small crustaceans and zooplankton. Feed frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood and fine marine pellets once or twice a day.

Breeding

Small Serranus bass are thought to be simultaneous hermaphrodites, but spawning in aquaria is rarely reported.

Compatibility and tank mates

Listed as reef safe. It may eat very small shrimps but leaves corals alone. Good with other peaceful fish of similar size; avoid predators that could swallow it.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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