Brazilian Gramma

Gramma brasiliensis

Saltwater Fish Species Group: Basslets Family: Grammidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Brazilian Gramma

General information

The Brazilian Gramma is a small, peaceful fish that can reach up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. It is a popular choice for reef aquariums due to its bright colors and ease of care. The fish has a purple head and bright yellow body, and a black line separates the two colors.

Diet & nutrition

The Brazilian Gramma is carnivorous and feeds on small crustaceans and other small invertebrates in the wild. In an aquarium, it should be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality pellets, frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.

Determining sex

The Brazilian Gramma is difficult to sex visually.

Breeding & spawning

The Brazilian Gramma is difficult to breed in captivity, and there is no known breeding program for this species.

Diseases

The Brazilian Gramma is generally hardy and resistant to diseases, but it can be susceptible to the same diseases as other saltwater fish, including ich and velvet.

Origination

The Brazilian Gramma is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Caribbean to Brazil.

Cautions

The Brazilian Gramma is generally considered safe to keep with other species, but it may become territorial with its own kind or other similar-looking species. It is also important to ensure that the aquarium has plenty of hiding places and rockwork for the fish to retreat to.

Acclimation process

The Brazilian Gramma should be acclimated slowly to the aquarium environment over a period of several hours to avoid shock.

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