Gramma loreto
| See Talk:Gramma loreto for individual experiences with this species, Gramma loreto. Feel free to add your own personal experiences. |
| Common Name | |
| Royal Gramma | |
| Binomial Name | |
| Gramma loreto | |
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| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Grammidae |
| Genus: | Gramma |
| Species: | loreto |
Common Names
- Royal Gramma
Characteristics
Description
The distinguishing features of Gramma spp. are an interrupted or missing lateral line, and a continuous dorsal fin without any noticeable notches in the membrane between dorsal spines. Magenta or purple on the front portion of the body, and yellow on the rear portion.
Similar Species
- G. brasiliensis - Brazilian Gramma
Often confused with the Royal Dottyback (Pseudochromis paccagnellae), the Royal Gramma's colors are harsher and it has a black line that runs through both eyes.
Maximum Size
10cm
Associated Organisms
N/A
Behaviour
A peaceful fish somewhat territorial displaying acts of aggression with an wide open mouth.
Captive Care
Tank Size
100 liters (or 30 gallons) is generally the recommended tank size as stated by many web pages and book references
Water Flow
Med to high as per where they live in the wild
Lighting
Med to high as per where they live in the wild
Feeding
All Basslets are carnivorous fish that will readily accept all forms fish food. Will do better on a variety of fresh food.
Growth Rate
Extremely fast growth rate under optimal conditions long living fish reports of 13 years +
Diseases
All Basslets are very hardy fish and generally disease resistant.
Other
Basslets are generally shy fish quickly retreating into their dens when they feel threatened and they need a lot of rockwork for cover.
Gallery
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Breeding pair
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Affected by Brooklynella
Compatability
Fish
Will not tolerate other of the same species in small tanks.
Coral
Reef Safe
Invertebrate
May take small ornamental invertebrates
Reproduction
One of the first fish to ever be breed in captivity they require a small cave in which to spawn. When they are ready to spawn they will clean out the caves, line the bottom with Caulerpa and use coral rubble to cover most of the entrance to the cave
Local Ecology
Distribution
Western Central Atlantic: Bermuda, Bahamas, and Central America to northern South America.
Habitat
Gramma spp. live next to steep reef fronts, so called “walls”. This is also the typical habitat for the other members of the genus Gramma. At the top of the wall, you can find Royal Gramma from the surface down to a depth of roughly 60-80 feet (18-24 meters).
Additional Information
Availability in Australia, they come in waves but are never readily available or common.
Resources
- Grammas by Henry Schultz - Reefkeeping Magazine
- Fishes Suitable for the Invertebrate Aquarium: The Caribbean Basslets by J. Charles Delbeek - Atoll
- Gramma loreto - FishBase
