Today’s Awesome Fish Spotlight features a tiny basslet from the Lipogramma genus. All Lipogramma are small basslets confined only to the deep water reefs of the new world, namely the Atlantic. There are eight described species of Lipogramma, with undeniably more waiting to be discovered and described. Most recently, a new Lipogramma cf. robinsi has been identified, and may prove in future to be a distinct species.
L. trilineatum is one of four (five if you include L. cf. robinsi) obtainable species in the genus. The other half has yet to be seen alive or in the trade. The other three that are occasionally offered for the trade include L. klayi, L. evides and L. robinsi. We have covered all four species in the past, but this time we have a closer and better look at the shallowest member of the genus, L. trilineatum. Unlike the others, L. trilineatum can be found waters at 65ft, although they can and will live in depths exceeding 250ft as well.
Like all Lipogramma, they are shy and shade loving. L. trilineatum is a small species, being yellow overall with three blue horizontal stripes on its nape. A nano style set up with plenty of rock cover is a must for these fish, as they will almost certainly perish and hide away in large boisterous set ups. Given the proper housing and collection, Lipogramma make hardy and wonderful, albeit very pricey additions. Deep water exploration with submersibles are shedding new light on a treasure throve of important discoveries, especially those coming out of Curaçao. This specimen came from Dynasty Marine, imported to Singapore by Iwarna Aquafarm.
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