The Chalk Basslet, Serranus tortugarum, has a brown/red body with beautiful silver striping marks across its back. Like other Basslets they should not be housed with another Basslets to avoid aggression, but can be kept safely and peacefully in a reef tank with other tank mates. They are also very hardy, making them easy to acclimate and care for.

Corals and larger invertebrates like shrimp are safe from this Basslet, though they may go after smaller shrimp once they reach their max size. Diet should include a variety of live or frozen mysis shrimp and vitamin enriched brine shrimp 1-2 times daily.