Swiss Guard Basslet

Liopropoma rubre, the Swiss Guard Basslet, sports vivid alternating red and yellow horizontal bands that immediately evoke a Swiss guard's ceremonial uniform. Naturally a deep-reef crevice dweller from the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, it is shy in captivity and spends much of its time within rockwork caves and overhangs, emerging to hunt small invertebrates. Despite its secretive nature its brilliant coloration is fully visible whenever it ventures out, making it a rewarding specimen for the patient reef keeper.

Provide extensive rockwork with tight caves and overhangs for refuge. Feed meaty foods — frozen mysis, krill, and chopped shrimp — offered near cave entrances to encourage feeding. Give it time to settle; new specimens may refuse food for the first week. Reef-safe and peaceful toward most tank mates; may occasionally snap at small ornamental shrimp. Avoid housing with very aggressive fish.