Basslets · Grammatidae
Care levelIntermediate
Golden Fairy Basslet
Gramma dejongi
A golden-yellow gramma with magenta on the throat, pelvic region and fins, plus a dark spot near the front of the dorsal fin. This distinct species has limited published care data; captive-bred individuals are available.
Limited species-specific aquarium evidence makes careful sourcing, feeding observation and conservative introductions especially important.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
30+ galRecommended tank
1.8 inchesAdult size
Semi-aggressive / territorialTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Golden coloration with magenta accents.
- Captive breeding is documented.
- Small cave-associated reef fish with distinctive markings.
! Things to consider
- Care information is less established than for Royal Gramma.
- Other cave-dwelling basslets may compete for territory.
- The tank recommendation is editorial planning guidance.
- Published lengths do not establish a definitive adult maximum.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 30 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 1.8 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 quiet shaded ledges and caves, gentle feeding access, stable filtration and a covered aquarium. Acclimate to the seller’s lighting conditions.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive / territorial
- Why this care level
- Limited species-specific aquarium evidence makes careful sourcing, feeding observation and conservative introductions especially important.
- 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 individual is the simpler plan. Captive breeding does not mean unfamiliar adults or different Gramma species will share a small 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 appropriately sized marine meaty foods. Obtain the breeder’s exact feeding routine and confirm that the individual eats.
- Prepared or live food
- Use breeder-confirmed fine frozen or prepared carnivore foods. Acceptance of pellets should be observed rather than assumed.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72–78 °F (22–26 °C) is general gramma aquarium planning guidance, not a tested species-specific tolerance. Confirm the individual’s requirements with its supplier.
- 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
- Aquarium La Rochelle lists 4.5 cm (about 1.8 inches). The original type specimen was 32.3 mm standard length; neither figure establishes a definitive adult maximum. Allow room for further growth.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Ask for a captive-bred, reliably feeding specimen. Fish Match suggests 30 US gallons for planning one fish; this is not a tested species-specific minimum.
- 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.
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