Basslets are a type of small, vibrant fish. These species are found in the Maldives. In other parts of the world, basslets are classified as bottom feeders.
These are some of the most colourful and visually appealing fish in the ocean. They form in large schools. They are commonly found above the reef. They love the current because it allows them to feed on zooplankton.
This species begins life as a female, but later changes sex to male. They may replace a male who has died or left the group.
Males in these species are brightly coloured and visually appealing. Their distinct fins are erect towards both each other and females. They frequently form their own schools.
In many areas, females outnumber males, and each male will dominate a group of females through haremic behaviour. However, the majority of the Maldives’ species appear to have an equal sex ratio.
Resplendent Basslet
Pseudanthias ‘pulcherrimus’
Resplendent basslets can be found deep along current-prone slopes and drop-offs at depths of more than 20 meters. Swimming inverted on the ceilings of large caves is a common sight.
A moderately common species in the Maldives that is easily overlooked, often confused with the orange basslet, which is similar and abundant in the same habitat.
Although this species is only found in the West Indian Ocean, it appears to be identical to P. randalli in the Pacific. There is no original description, but it was published in Smith’s Sea Fishes by Smith and Heemstra in 1986. The fish grows to a length of 65 mm.
Reference:
Kuiter, R. (2014), Fishes of the Maldives. Atoll Editions.
