ORA Randall’s Assessor Captive-Bred for Sale
The ORA Randall’s Assessor Captive-Bred (Assessor randalli) is a peaceful, hardy reef fish admired for its vivid blue-to-orange coloration and graceful upside-down swimming behavior. Bred by Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums (ORA), this sustainably aquacultured species offers aquarists a responsible way to enjoy one of the rarest Assessor fish. Known for its calm temperament and adaptability, it thrives in community reef tanks with rockwork, caves, and shaded overhangs. Trusted by reef hobbyists for its health and ease of care, each ORA-bred specimen arrives acclimated, vibrant, and ready to settle quickly into your aquarium.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Assessor randalli |
| Family | Plesiopidae |
| Origin | Western Pacific |
| Max Size | 3 inches |
| Purchase Size | Under 1 inch |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years |
| Care Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Temperament | Peaceful to semi-territorial |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Diet | Carnivore – mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, high-protein frozen foods |
| Temperature | 74–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Salinity | 1.023–1.025 |
Appearance
The Randall’s Assessor exhibits a striking blue body accented by subtle red and orange tones that intensify under white or actinic lighting. Its compact body and smooth fins create a hovering effect, and its signature upside-down swimming under ledges and caves adds a unique, engaging motion to reef displays.
Care & Requirements
Provide a calm, stable reef aquarium with plenty of caves and ledges for shelter. Moderate, indirect lighting suits their preference for shaded areas. Maintain consistent water quality, feeding 2–3 small meals daily of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood. Captive-bred specimens from ORA adapt easily to prepared diets and show reduced stress during acclimation. A 30-gallon tank suits a single fish; for pairs or groups, use 50 gallons or more to reduce territorial behavior.
Can Randall’s Assessors be kept in nano reefs?
Yes, provided the system remains stable and includes shaded hiding areas.
Do they need to be in pairs?
They can live singly or form pairs in larger tanks with adequate territory.
What lighting is best?
Moderate, indirect lighting brings out their natural colors while mimicking their shaded habitat.
Tank Mates & Compatibility
The Randall’s Assessor is peaceful toward most reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Avoid aggressive species like large wrasses or dottybacks. Suitable companions include clownfish, gobies, blennies, and other gentle community fish. When keeping multiple Assessors, ensure plenty of rockwork to minimize territorial displays.
Can Randall’s Assessors live with clownfish?
Yes, they coexist well with clownfish and other non-aggressive reef fish.
Are they territorial?
Only mildly, typically toward others of the same species in smaller tanks.
Can they be kept with shrimp or snails?
Yes, they are completely reef-safe and leave invertebrates unharmed.
Aquaculture/Availability
The ORA Randall’s Assessor Captive-Bred is consistently aquacultured by Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums. These fish are bred and raised in controlled systems, resulting in hardy, disease-resistant specimens. ORA’s success in breeding this species since 2012 highlights their leadership in sustainable marine aquaculture.
Are captive-bred Randall’s Assessors more colorful?
Yes, coloration deepens as they acclimate in stable reef conditions.
Are wild-caught versions available?
Rarely; the market primarily depends on ORA’s captive-bred line.
When did ORA first breed this species?
Around 2012, marking a major milestone for aquaculture.
Why Buy From Oceansgarden.com
- Captive-Bred & Sustainable: Many of our fish and invertebrates are captive-bred or sustainably sourced to promote healthy reef ecosystems.
- Expert Care Before Shipping: Every animal is maintained under professional aquarium standards for health, diet, and water quality.
- Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind each shipment with a Live Arrival Guarantee for your peace of mind.
- Fast, Reliable Shipping: Orders are packed with proven methods and shipped overnight to ensure safe arrival.
- Transparent Policies: Clear shipping, refund, and guarantee information available on every order page.
- Trusted by Hobbyists: Backed by years of experience and thousands of satisfied marine aquarium keepers across the U.S.
FAQ
How large should a tank be for Randall’s Assessors? 30 gallons for a single fish, with 50 gallons or more for pairs or groups.
Do Randall’s Assessors hide often? Yes, they naturally prefer shaded rockwork and caves but will swim openly as they adjust.
What makes the Randall’s Assessor unique among basslets? Its calm demeanor and upside-down swimming distinguish it from other reef basslets.
How often should they be fed? Feed 2–3 times daily with meaty, high-protein foods like mysis, brine, or finely chopped seafood.
Is the ORA Randall’s Assessor beginner-friendly? Yes, its hardiness and adaptability make it an excellent choice for new reef keepers.
How does it differ from the Yellow Assessor? Randall’s Assessors feature blue and reddish tones, while Yellow Assessors are golden-yellow and slightly smaller.
Can they spawn in home aquariums? It’s uncommon but possible for bonded pairs in larger, stable systems.
What are signs of stress in a Randall’s Assessor? Pale coloration, loss of appetite, or hiding excessively indicate stress—check lighting and water quality.
Do they change color over time? Yes, color intensifies with maturity and stable lighting.
How long do ORA Randall’s Assessors live? Typically 5–7 years in well-maintained reef systems.
| size | under 1 inch |
|---|
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