Chalk Bass (Captive Bred)

Also known as the Chalky Bass or Serranus tortugarium

The Chalk Bass is a charming and peaceful species that brings subtle beauty and gentle personality to marine aquariums. Native to the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to the Caribbean, this small bass features a delicate pale body with distinctive orange stripes and a peaceful demeanor unusual for the bass family. Captive-bred specimens offer enhanced hardiness, established feeding responses, and environmental sustainability, making them excellent additions for beginner to intermediate aquarists seeking a peaceful, reef-safe fish with understated elegance.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Serranus tortugarum
• Common Names: Chalk Bass, Chalky Bass, Dwarf Sea Bass
• Adult Size: 3–3.5 inches (7–9 cm); commonly 2.5–3 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and social; one of the most docile bass species
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef-safe – safe with corals and most invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum (30+ gallons recommended for groups)
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate – hardy and easy to care for

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, reef slopes, and rubble areas at depths of 15–130 feet. Often observed in small groups hovering near reef structures and cave openings.

Tank Environment:

• Moderate rockwork with caves and overhangs
• Open swimming areas in mid-water column
• Peaceful environment with minimal aggression
• Subdued to moderate lighting preferred
• Multiple hiding spots for security
• Compatible with reef or FOWLR setups

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods (primary diet)
• Finely chopped seafood, krill
• High-quality marine pellets and flakes
• Live blackworms, enriched brine shrimp (occasional)
• Vitamin-enriched frozen preparations

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily
• Small, frequent meals preferred
• Captive-bred specimens readily accept all foods
• May hunt microfauna naturally

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, dartfish, firefish, wrasses (peaceful), anthias, cardinalfish, dottybacks (peaceful), tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, virtually all peaceful community fish
• Caution with: Very aggressive feeders that may outcompete
• Avoid: Large predatory fish (groupers, lionfish, large triggers), highly aggressive species

Social Behavior:

• Can be kept singly, in pairs, or small groups (3–5)
• One of the few bass species suitable for group housing
• Peaceful toward all tankmates including conspecifics
• Often hovers in mid-water near caves
• May form loose shoals in larger aquariums
• Shy initially but becomes bolder with time

Reef Compatibility: Completely reef-safe with all corals, anemones, and sessile invertebrates. Safe with ornamental shrimp (cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, fire shrimp). Will not harm any fish or invertebrates except perhaps the smallest nano shrimp under 0.5 inches.

Color & Development

Coloration: Pale cream to chalky white base with 6–8 horizontal orange to orange-brown stripes running length of body; subtle blue highlights on face and fins; delicate, pastel appearance; body semi-translucent giving ethereal quality.

Color Intensity:

• High-quality diet maintains orange stripe vibrancy
• Captive-bred specimens often show enhanced coloration
• Stress may cause slight fading
• Colors remain consistent throughout life
• Blue facial highlights more prominent in mature specimens

Size & Growth:

• Captive-bred juveniles typically available at 1–2 inches
• Slow growth rate due to small adult size
• Reaches full size within 12–18 months
• One of the smallest bass species

Why Choose a Captive-Bred Chalk Bass?

Captive-bred Chalk Bass offer significant advantages over wild-caught specimens: superior hardiness and disease resistance, pre-conditioned to accept all prepared foods, reduced stress from collection and shipping, elimination of collection pressure on wild populations, and enhanced survivability in home aquariums. Our specimens undergo observation, health assessment, and dietary conditioning to ensure they’re thriving before reaching you.

These gentle bass combine peaceful temperament with understated beauty and exceptional hardiness, making them perfect for nano reefs, peaceful community tanks, and beginner aquarists seeking a reliable, easy-to-care-for fish. Their social nature allows for unique group displays rarely possible with bass species, while their small size and peaceful demeanor make them ideal inhabitants for a wide range of aquarium setups.