Basslets · Grammatidae
Care levelIntermediate
Blackcap Basslet
Gramma melacara
A purple Caribbean basslet with a dark diagonal cap across the upper head. Give this cave-oriented fish shaded shelter and peaceful feeding access; established individuals can defend their rockwork against other basslets.
Routine feeding is usually manageable; shade, reliable feeding access and cave-territory disputes need extra attention.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
30+ galRecommended tank
4 inchesAdult size
Semi-aggressive / territorialTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Rich purple coloration with a contrasting black cap.
- Generally compatible with corals.
- Often accepts suitable prepared marine foods.
! Things to consider
- May defend its cave against other basslets.
- Bright exposed aquascapes offer inadequate shelter.
- Predators and persistent harassers can prevent feeding.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 30 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 4 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Provide usable rockwork territory with several cave entrances and sight breaks, plus open space for feeding. Tank volume alone does not describe shelter availability.
- Tank maturity
- Use an established, fully cycled marine aquarium with stable filtration. There is no verified species-specific month threshold here; tank age alone does not prove readiness. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential.
- Habitat and equipment
- Provide caves, overhangs and shaded retreats away from the brightest light, with circulation, filtration and a secure lid.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive / territorial
- Why this care level
- Routine feeding is usually manageable; shade, reliable feeding access and cave-territory disputes need extra attention.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Choose peaceful fish that will not swallow or persistently chase this basslet. Other grammas, basslets and similarly shaped cave dwellers need particular caution and a separation plan.
- Alone, pair or group
- A single basslet is the simpler aquarium plan. Do not assume two grammas or different basslet species will share a cave territory.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally expected to leave coral tissue alone based on gramma feeding biology; observe the individual. This is not a guarantee for every reef community. - Shrimp safety
-
With caution
With caution: tiny shrimp or larvae may be prey. Species-specific safety for all ornamental shrimp is not established by these references. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally expected to leave established snails alone; observe feeding and introductions rather than assuming universal safety. - Clam safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally expected to leave clam tissue alone. Continue checking for individual picking or disturbance.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Carnivore; small marine meaty foods
- Feeding plan
- Offer small portions of varied marine meaty foods. Watch the fish emerge and eat without being chased.
- Prepared or live food
- Appropriately sized mysis, marine frozen preparations and small carnivore pellets if accepted.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72–78 °F (22–26 °C) is the published aquarium reference range used here. Maintain stable conditions.
- Specific gravity
- Specific gravity 1.020–1.025 is general marine fish planning guidance, not a measured species-specific limit. Also meet the needs of reef invertebrates.
- pH
- pH 8.1–8.4 is general marine aquarium guidance. Keep conditions stable; this is not a tested species-specific tolerance range.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- The references used here do not establish a dependable typical captive lifespan. Plan for a long-term care commitment rather than an invented average.
- Growth and future planning
- Published aquarium guidance lists an adult size up to 4 inches. Plan shelter and territory around the adult, not purchase size.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Provide at least 30 US gallons with shaded caves. Confirm the individual is feeding and assess other cave-dwelling basslets before purchase.
- Buying checklist
- Verify the scientific name, observe the fish eating and inspect breathing, fins, eyes and body condition. Plan quarantine, appropriate acclimation and a way to separate incompatible tank mates.
User comments (0)