Royal Gramma

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Gramma loreto - Poey, 1868
Royal Gramma

A Caribbean species that has long entranced marine aquarists and snorkelers. Scott W. Michael

[edit] Overview

Here is an easy-to-keep, fascinating-to-watch cave-dwelling species that is much-loved by marine aquarists for its brilliant colors and relatively passive disposition.

Family: Grammatidae

Other common name(s):

  • Fairy Basslet

Native range:

Habitat: Reef. Provide plenty of hiding places. It usually hovers under overhangs and in caves, often in an upside-down position with its belly toward the ceiling. It will make good use of these types of realistic habitats in the aquarium.

Maximum length: 7.9 cm (3 in)

Minimum aquarium size: 57 L (15 gal)

Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)

[edit] Feeding

Carnivore. Feed meaty foods at least once a day. Supplementation with color-enhancing rations will help maintain its vivid pigmentation.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

Once it knows the lay of the land and finds suitable hiding places, the Royal Gramma will hover in the water column and pick off passing food particles. It may occasionally jump out of an open aquarium. Males are nest builders and spawning activity may occur. Captive-bred specimens are occasionally available.

[edit] Breeding/Propagation

Demersal (on or near the bottom) spawners that tend and protect their broods.

[edit] Notes

Not usually aggressive toward other species, it may fight with its own kind or other Gramma species. Place one per tank, unless the aquarium is large or you acquire a pair (no obvious sexual differences except males tend to be larger than females). The Royal Gramma may chase small zooplankton feeders (e.g., Chromis, certain gobies), but this is not a problem unless the tank is small.

Reference: 101 Best Saltwater Fishes
Image credit: SWM
Text credit: SWM
Facts about Royal GrammaRDF feed
Common name Royal Gramma  +, and Fairy Basslet  +
Family Grammatidae  +
Genus Gramma  +
Image credit SWM  +
Maximum length 3 in  +
Minimum aquarium size 15 gal  +
Native range Western Atlantic  +, Caribbean  +, Bermuda  +, Bahamas  +, Central America  +, and Northern South America  +
Reference 101 Best Saltwater Fishes  +
Specific name loreto  +
Text credit SWM  +
Water max temp 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F)  +
Water min temp 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F)  +
Water type Marine  +
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