Reef Fish Guide designation and why

Take it home
Although there are seven genera in this family, the best choices for your aquarium (and the most commonly available) come from the Assessor and Calloplesiops genera. All of the species in these genera have a good reputation for being hardy and disease-resistant. They are usually shy at first because they like dim light, so it is important to provide plenty of rocks and ledges for them to hide under. Although breeding in your home aquarium is possible, it is hard to rear the young of these species. However it is possible that captive bred specimens are available and, as always, they make the better choice.

Distribution
Found throughout the Indo Pacific and Western Pacific

Maximum Size
Assessors range from 2.3 - 2.4 inches (6cm) and the Comet averages at about 8.0 inches (20cm)

Care Requirements
Minimum tank size for the assessors is about 20 gallons due to their smaller size but you must have at least 55 gallons for a Comet. The tank must have numerous crevices which are very dark or devoid of light. A cave or an overhang is highly recommended. Brightly lit tanks are not the best option, but as long as dark corners exist your Comet will be fine. Assessors do well kept as a single individual or in larger tanks as pairs. Two males will fight, however, and therefore it is not recommended.

Food: All these fish accept meaty foods such as finely chopped fresh or frozen marine fish flesh, shrimp and/or squid, mysid shrimp, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, and frozen preparations for carnivores. You should feed your comet around two to four times a week and your assessors about two times daily. However if your tank is healthy and well established, assessors need not be fed quite so often.

Compatibility: Comets may eat ornamental fish and small fishes but they are generally reclusive fish that only come out at night. Large, fast swimming fish should be avoided if you wish to see the Comet during daylight hours. This would include, but is not limited to, surgeonfish, large angels, butterflies, and some wrasses. Being that these fish are peaceful, it is recommended that your tank be generally peaceful so the Assessors and Comets are not vulnerable to constant aggression.