Yellow Assessor (Assessor flavissimus) Care Guide
Assessor flavissimus is a small bright yellow marine fish of the family Plesiopidae from the Western Central Pacific that dwells under reef overhangs.
Overview
Assessor flavissimus is a small marine fish described by Allen and Kuiter in 1976. It has a bright yellow body and is native to the Western Central Pacific, where it lives under reef overhangs and inside caves. It is commonly known as the yellow assessor, yellow devilfish or yellow scissortail.
Taxonomy
- Family: Plesiopidae
- Genus: Assessor
- Scientific name: Assessor flavissimus Allen & Kuiter, 1976
Habitat
The species occurs in the Western Central Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef and Papua New Guinea. According to FishBase it is reef-associated at depths of 5 to 20 m, in tropical water of 27-30 °C. It aggregates in caves, crevices and under ledges, frequently orienting upside down beneath overhangs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness equivalent: 8-12 °dH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
It is a carnivore that feeds on plankton in the wild, typically while swimming inverted under ledges. In the aquarium it accepts meaty foods offered twice daily.
Compatibility
The yellow assessor is peaceful and occupies the middle and cave areas of the tank. Reported suitable tankmates include clownfish, tangs, cardinalfish and wrasses. It is best kept away from other small dottybacks in confined tanks and from predators such as lionfish.
Breeding
Assessor flavissimus is an egg-layer with paternal mouthbrooding: males incubate the egg mass in their mouths. FishBase notes that breeding in the aquarium is possible, though it is considered advanced.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 20 April 2022.