Royal Gramma Basslet

Gramma loreto

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 Royal Gramma Basslet

General information

The Royal Gramma Basslet is a small, colorful fish that is highly sought after by saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. They are native to the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and can grow up to 3 inches in length. The Royal Gramma Basslet has a bright purple front half and a yellow tail, which makes them one of the most beautiful fish in the aquarium hobby.

Diet & nutrition

The Royal Gramma Basslet is an omnivore and will eat a variety of foods in the aquarium. In the wild, they feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans. In the aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet of frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood. They will also accept high-quality dry foods, but it is important to provide them with a varied diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.

Determining sex

It can be difficult to determine the sex of Royal Gramma Basslets, as there are no external differences between males and females.

Breeding & spawning

The Royal Gramma Basslet has been successfully bred in captivity, but it is a difficult process. The fish will need to be conditioned with a high-quality diet and maintained in a well-established aquarium. Once the male and female have paired up, they will begin to clean a site for spawning. The female will lay her eggs, and the male will fertilize them. The eggs will hatch in about 2-3 days, and the fry will be free-swimming a few days later.

Diseases

The Royal Gramma Basslet is a hardy fish that is relatively disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to the same diseases as other saltwater fish, such as ich, velvet, and bacterial infections. It is important to maintain good water quality and provide a balanced diet to prevent disease.

Origination

The Royal Gramma Basslet is native to the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, specifically around the reefs of the Bahamas and Caribbean islands.

Cautions

The Royal Gramma Basslet is generally a peaceful fish that can be kept with other peaceful fish species. However, they can become aggressive towards other basslets or fish with a similar body shape or coloration. It is important to provide them with plenty of hiding places and ensure they have adequate space to establish their territory.

Acclimation process

The Royal Gramma Basslet should be acclimated slowly to its new aquarium environment. They can be sensitive to changes in water chemistry, temperature, and salinity. The acclimation process should take at least 30 minutes to an hour to ensure they have time to adjust to their new surroundings.

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