Sand Perch

(Diplectrum formosum)

Diplectrum Basslets are generally found in shallow bays and seaGrass beds in holes with sandy bottoms or under rocks. Provide a well established aquarium with plenty of coral and rock areas. Diplectrum Basslets are not reef safe and may consume benthic crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, amphipods and small fish. They are predatory and need a diet of meaty enriched foods preferring decapod shrimp. Diplectrum Basslets are hermaphroditic meaning they may have both sex organs at some point in their lives. Basslets are generally territorial and as adults are not schooling fish. Diplectrum Basslets may jump provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Sand Perch is also known as the Sand Seabass or Sandfish. Sand Perch have a white belly enhancing its color to a soft brown as the color moves up the body with dark vertical lines and blue horizontal lines. Sand Perch can grow to 12" but normally range from 5" to 9".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 125 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium