Description
Scientific Name: Serraniculus pumilio
Common Names: Pygmy Sea Bass, Dwarf Sea Bass
Maximum Length: 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons (113 liters)
Foods and Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on small benthic crustaceans like copepods and amphipods in the wild. In aquariums, offer live or frozen copepods, mysis shrimp, or finely chopped seafood. Feed 1-2 times daily in small amounts to mimic natural foraging. Enriched live foods may be needed to ensure nutritional needs.
Reef Safety: Reef-safe; unlikely to harm corals or invertebrates due to its small size and crustacean-focused diet. Suitable for nano reef tanks with caution for very small shrimp or copepods, which it may consume.
Temperament: Peaceful; shy and non-aggressive, preferring to hide among seagrass or rockwork. Best housed with small, non-aggressive tankmates like gobies or small blennies. Avoid large or predatory fish that may intimidate or prey on it. Can be kept singly or in small groups if tank size allows.
Description: The Serraniculus pumilio is a rare and diminutive treasure for hobbyists seeking an unusual addition to their nano aquariums. This tiny sea bass, with its subtle brownish-green body and faint mottled patterns, blends seamlessly into seagrass or rockwork, offering a glimpse of Western Atlantic reef life. Aquarists are drawn to its elusive nature, as it darts delicately among hiding spots, showcasing a quiet charm that rewards patient observation. A 30-gallon tank with fine substrate, live rock, and seagrass mimics its natural habitat, while a diet of small crustaceans keeps it healthy. Though rarely seen in the trade, its peaceful demeanor and reef-safe habits make it a fascinating choice for dedicated keepers specializing in micro reef ecosystems.
Fun Facts
- The Pygmy Sea Bass is a synchronous hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, a rare trait among reef fish.
- Found primarily in seagrass beds from South Carolina to northern South America, it’s absent from the Bahamas and West Indies, adding to its mystique.
- Its small size—barely 3 inches—makes it one of the tiniest members of the Serranidae family, perfect for nano tank enthusiasts.
