Assessor macneilli
From RTAW Reefpedia
| See Talk:Assessor macneilli for individual experiences with this species, Assessor macneilli. Feel free to add your own personal experiences. |
| Common Name | |
| Macneil's Assessor | |
| Binomial Name | |
| Assessor macneilli | |
| |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Plesiopidae |
| Genus: | Assessor |
| Species: | macneilli |
Common Names
- Macneil's Assessor
- Blue Assessor
- Blue Devilfish
Characteristics
Description
Slim elegant body similar to many basselets. Colouration is between royal blue and a deep navy blue, with white edges to the dorsal fin. A bright blue stripe occurs around the eye.
Similar Species
No species similar in terms of colouration, however do have a similar body shape to the yellow assessor and other basselets.
Maximum Size
2.4 inches (6cm)
Associated Organisms
None
Behaviour
Prefers quiet environments and is relatively peaceful. The Blue Assessors natural habitat is the rocky ledges and caves of the Great Barrier reef and New Caledonia. This is a very docile fish that is a likely target for more boisterous species. Do not pair this fish in a tank of less than 200L, with a proper breeding colony consisting of a larger specimen, and 3 smaller fish. This fish can be somewhat skittish and will hide if frightened. However, this fish will get bolder the more it feels comfortable in its surroundings and will spend more and more time in the water column.
Captive Care
Tank Size
This fish is a cave dwelling member of the basselet family, as such does not require a huge amount of space, together with its small size this means the blue assessor is suitable for tanks 30 litres and larger.
Water Flow
Is not too much of a problem as long as the fish has somewhere to hide in terms of cave.
Lighting
This fish can be somewhat sensitive to light, and can be more active nocturnally particularly when housed with boisterous tankmates.
Feeding
Mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, frozen preparations for carnivores and fresh or frozen finely chopped marine fish flesh. Feed 1-2 times per day.
Growth Rate
Growth rate is relatively slow, as most caught specimens are near adult size.
Diseases
Similar to other members of the Basselet family, this species is quite hardy in terms of diseases.
Other
Completely reef safe, this little fish is an excellent choice for aquarium beginners, and provides an interesting and colourful fish with a personality. It is very important to provide proper places for this fish to hide. Caves and ledges which provide a suitable overhang can result in seeing this fish swimming upside down. Given time this fish will become more confident in captivity.
Gallery
In a cave |
 |
Compatibility
Fish
Should not be kept with boisterous tank mates, or members of its own species. It may also show some aggression towards other Basselets, however can cohabit if this is overcome.
Coral
No problems.
Invertebrate
No problems.
Reproduction
Egg laying, with the male carrying the eggs in its mouth. The male member of the pair holds the egg mass in his mouth for about two weeks until they hatch, at which time the fry enter the plankton. Male blue assessors, which are larger on average than females, apparently outnumber females in aggregations and tend several broods over the duration of the mating period. The males cease feeding during the egg-tending phase and are more quick to seek shelter than non-brooding individuals.
Local Ecology
Distribution
Great Barrier reef and New Caledonia
Habitat
Rocky ledges and caves 2m to 15m below the surface on the reef.
Additional Information
None.
Resources
References
- Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R.C. Steene 1990 Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 506 p. (Ref. 2334)
- Assessor macneilli - FishBase
