Australian Bass 9cm

Australian Bass
 

Australian bass is a truly underappreciated predator fish that has the fury of a barramundi or peacock bass but remains at a much smaller size. They would be the perfect fish for aquarists who would like a 'wet pet' style fish that is full of personality, and activity and has a powerful feeding response. Australian bass is great for people entering the predator fish world because they max out at around 30 cm which means they are far smaller than other predator fish species such as barramundi that get to 90cm +

Australian bass also has a very unique body shape and looks almost like a saltwater bream or snapper, their deep but long body along with the thin profile along with broad fins is a characteristic look. They also have large beady eyes and a trap jaw-like mouth that just inhales food during feeding time. They also have a camo-like colour scheme with an olive-green base colour and speckling of both light and dark green scales which shimmer as they catch the light and a final contrast of jet black on the tips of their fins as well. Australian bass is an aggressive fish that will eat whatever they can fit in their mouth however can be kept with similar-sized tank mates. They are often kept with another Australian bass which creates an absolute feeding frenzy as they eat.  

Being a tropical fish, Australian bass needs their water temperature maintained at 24-28 degrees and they do require a fairly large aquarium due to their larger growing size. Breeding these fish has not been recorded in the home aquarium as they have specific environmental requirements which are difficult to replicate. males and females also have no distinguishing factors. The Australian bass is found all the way from Victoria to Queensland in Australia and is actually a common freshwater sports fish with great eating quality as well. 

Tank Recommendations for your Australian Bass
The Aussie bass does get fairly large at 30 cm maximum size and is a relatively active fish. For this reason, it is best to keep them in an aquarium that is at least 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet high with a minimum volume of 450 liters. This allows for ample space for adult bass and tank mates as well. Like most predator fish the Australian bass can be really clumsy, especially during feeding time when they can bash into aquascape materials. It is best to keep them on a sand or gravel substrate with smooth river stones and driftwood with no sharp edges. They can also be kept with plants which are great because it really allows you to create a wild river-style aesthetic in the aquarium.    

Suitable Tank Buddies

Because of their predatory nature, it is best to keep them with similar-sized tank mates or fish that will not be in the same water column as them, there are a lot of great native Australian species the Australian bass can be kept with. 

Usually Compatible

Other Australian bass, tandanus catfish, golden perch, silver perch, and similar species.

Sometime Compatible

Saratoga, Oscars, peacock bass, or fish would be slightly more aggressive and harm the bass.   

Rarely Compatible 

Smaller species such as gudgeons could fall as easy prey to the bass.

Feeding your Australian Bass

The Australian Bass is a very easy fish to feed to their voracious appetite. It is always fun to feed these fish as they hammer the water's surface.  It is best to feed them a high protein, floating pellet food that is supplemented with frozen bloodworm and earthworms which provide a healthy, varied diet. Feeding can be completed at any time during the day.