Basslets · Grammidae
Care levelBeginner
Royal Gramma
Gramma loreto
Purple in front and yellow toward the tail, this Caribbean basslet adds a splash of color without growing large. Rockwork with caves and overhangs gives it places to retreat.
Usually adaptable with suitable shelter and small meaty foods.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
30+ galRecommended tank
3 inchesAdult size
Peaceful; defends its caveTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Compact adult size.
- Generally peaceful with suitable tank mates.
- Does not normally bother corals.
! Things to consider
- Can defend its chosen hiding place.
- Usually best kept singly; unfamiliar grammas may fight.
- Can be intimidated by aggressive fish.
- Needs sheltered rockwork and a varied meaty diet.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 30 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 3 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Prioritize usable rockwork and separate retreats; the care reference does not specify a fixed minimum length.
- Tank maturity
-
1 month recommended
Fully cycled, stable aquarium. 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
- Caves, overhangs, shaded retreats and a fitted lid.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Peaceful; defends its cave
- Why this care level
- Usually adaptable with suitable shelter and small meaty foods.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Peaceful fish of similar size; avoid bullies and competing cave-dwellers.
- Alone, pair or group
- Usually one; unfamiliar individuals may fight over shelter.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally coral safe. - Shrimp safety
-
With caution
Caution with very small shrimp; larger ornamental shrimp are usually suitable. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible. - Clam safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Carnivore; small meaty marine foods
- Feeding plan
- Offer varied small meaty foods and ensure the fish leaves its cave to feed.
- Prepared or live food
- Mysis, suitable frozen foods and accepted small pellets.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72-78 F (22-26 C); keep temperature stable.
- Specific gravity
- 1.020-1.025 specific gravity in the species care guidance; also meet your corals' needs.
- pH
- 8.1-8.4, with stable daily conditions.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- A reliable typical captive lifespan is not established in the linked references. Plan for several years of care.
- Growth and future planning
- Stays small, but a defended cave still needs space.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Provide a cave and peaceful tank mates. Keep one unless you have an established compatible pair and appropriate space.
- Buying checklist
- Ask to see it eat; check its condition and plan quarantine.
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