Bladefin Basslet

The Bladefin Basslet is one of the rarest and most expensive marine aquarium fish on Earth — a tiny, exquisite species that commands prices in the thousands of dollars for a fish barely two inches long. Jeboehlkia gladifer is found exclusively in deep Caribbean waters at depths of 500 to 1000 feet, making it one of the most inaccessible aquarium species in existence. The extreme collection depth requires specialized submersible operations and painstaking multi-stage decompression protocols that can take days to complete. The result is a fish that epitomizes the concept of rarity in the marine hobby.

The Bladefin Basslet's appearance is delicate and refined rather than flashy. The body is a translucent pinkish-white with subtle orange-red highlights, and the namesake feature is an elongated, blade-like first dorsal spine that extends well beyond the normal dorsal fin profile — a structure whose biological purpose remains debated among ichthyologists. The overall effect is ethereal and otherworldly, appropriate for a species that spends its natural life in the perpetual twilight of the deep Caribbean reef.

At only two inches maximum size, the Bladefin Basslet requires surprisingly modest housing: a 30-gallon aquarium is sufficient for a single specimen. Water conditions must mirror the cool, pristine environment of its native depth: temperature between 72 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit and pH between 8.1 and 8.4. Like all deep-water species, it prefers subdued lighting. A dedicated nano system with cool water and dim lighting provides the ideal environment.

Diet consists of frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, and small marine pellets. The Bladefin Basslet typically acclimates well to captive feeding once established in a stress-free environment.

This is the ultimate collector's fish — proof that in the marine hobby, rarity and value bear no relationship to size.

The Fish Collection ships via dedicated climate-controlled courier with our live arrival guarantee.