Basslets · Grammatidae
Care levelExpert
Yellowlined Basslet
Gramma linki
A deeper-reef Caribbean gramma with a blue-gray body and fine yellow lines across the cheek. It is not a Royal Gramma color variety. Aquarium care evidence is limited, so this profile is for informed specialist planning.
Deep-reef origin and sparse captive-care documentation make this a specialist fish rather than an automatic beginner substitute for Royal Gramma.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
30+ galRecommended tank
3.2 inchesAdult size
Semi-aggressive / territorialTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Subtle blue-gray coloration and yellow cheek stripes.
- Distinct species within the Gramma group.
- Interesting deep-reef cave and overhang association.
! Things to consider
- Limited established aquarium-care information.
- Requires expert confirmation of capture, acclimation and feeding history.
- May compete with other cave-dwelling basslets.
- Tank size and aquarium water targets are not validated species-specific minima.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 30 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 3.2 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 shaded caves and overhangs, stable water, oxygenation and secure cover. Discuss lighting and temperature with the supplier; do not copy the needs of a shallow-water community without checking.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive / territorial
- Why this care level
- Deep-reef origin and sparse captive-care documentation make this a specialist fish rather than an automatic beginner substitute for Royal Gramma.
- 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 conservative aquarium plan. No evidence here establishes a dependable captive group size or safe mixed-gramma combination.
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
- Biological references describe zooplankton and small crustaceans. Arrange a proven captive feeding plan before purchase and monitor food access closely.
- Prepared or live food
- Confirm which fine marine meaty foods the actual fish accepts. Do not assume dry-food acceptance from related species.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) is a published biological reference range, not a tested aquarium tolerance. Confirm the conditions of the source population and the captive individual.
- 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
- Smithsonian lists up to 8 cm (about 3.2 inches); FishBase lists 7 cm total length. These reports are planning references, not a guarantee about a particular specimen.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Specialist profile: confirm reliable feeding, capture depth and appropriate acclimation with an experienced supplier. Thirty US gallons is only an editorial starting point for one small basslet, not a validated minimum or assurance of suitability.
- 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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