Chalk Bass, scientifically known as Serranus tortugarum, is a type of marine fish related to groupers and anthias.
It belongs to the sea bass subfamily, called Serraninae, within the larger family known as Serranidae.
You can find this fish in the western Atlantic Ocean. People often keep chalk bass in aquariums.
They usually live near sandy or silty bottoms with rubble.
Sometimes they gather in small groups above coral rubble or old conch shells. However, it’s hard to get close to them.
This fish mainly feeds on plankton and are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs at the same time.
Chalk bass fish are safe for reef tanks.
Chalk Bass Interesting Facts
- Chalk bass are hermaphroditic marine fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including Caribbean reef areas.
- They live near sandy or silty bottoms and gather in small groups above coral rubble or old conch shells.
- These fish eat plankton and reside at depths between 12 and 396 meters (40 to 1299 feet) within tropical waters.
- Chalk bass fish engage in pelagic spawning, releasing their eggs and sperm into open water.
Chalk Bass Habitat
Chalk bass is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. It lives in areas like southern Florida, the Bahamas, Honduras, and the Virgin Islands.
You’ll likely find it throughout Caribbean reef areas, including the Antilles.
This marine fish lives around reefs at depths of 12 to 396 meters (40 to 1299 feet), but it’s usually found between 18 and 90 meters (59 and 295 feet).
Chalk bass prefers tropical waters with a geographic range from 32°N to 7°N latitude and from 99°W to 59°W longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Chalk Bass Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters)
Chalk bass is a tiny fish. It can grow up to 8 centimeters long.
This fish has 10 dorsal spines and 12 dorsal soft rays on its back.
Chalk Bass Reproduction
Chalk bass reproduces through pelagic spawning, where its eggs and sperm are released into open water.
Chalk Bass Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Serranidae |
| Genus: | Serranus |
| Scientific Name: | Serranus tortugarum |
| Also Known As: | Chalk Bass |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |