Royal Gramma: All You Need To Know!
Royal Gramma is a very common and easy-going saltwater fish suitable for domestic aquariums. Its beautiful purple and yellow colouring, calm disposition, and resistance to disease have made the Royal Gramma an excellent choice as a small reef tank or larger tank inhabitant. In this article, we will discuss everything there is to know about the Royal Gramma, from its habitat and habits to diet and care, including tank compatibility.
Where Is the Royal Gramma From?
The Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto) inhabits the tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea. They thrive in coral reef habitats, hiding in rock crevices and ledges. In tanks, the Royal Gramma will also show the same behaviour, wanting lots of places to hide so that they can feel safe.
Appearance and Size
One of the reasons aquarists select Royal Gramma for their aquariums is its stunning, vibrant colouration. The colour of the first half of its body is an intense violet or purple that darkens and moves into a golden yellow toward the tail. Such a dramatic contrasting colouration is what makes the Royal Gramma stand out so well in any marine aquarium.
They usually reach approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length, so they also fit well in nano reef tanks. Even with their small size, the Royal Gramma packs a lot of personality into the tank.
Temperament and Tank Mates
Royal Gramma is tranquil and non-violent and is a great community fish. It tends to keep to itself and will stay close to its preferred place to hide. Although it may protect its territory from other fish that are too close, extreme aggression is not common.
You can safely co-habit the Royal Gramma with other non-aggressive reef fish, like clownfish, gobies, blennies, and firefish. Do not, however, co-habit with other basslets, particularly other Royal Grammas, in small tanks to avoid territorial conflicts.
Ideal Tank Setup
To promote the Royal Gramma's optimal welfare, set up a tank environment as close to its natural reef environment as possible. The following are a few basics:
Tank size: At least 30 gallons for one Royal Gramma.
Rocks and caves: Add rocks with crevices for it to hide in and feel safe.
Water conditions: Maintain constant parameters – temperature at 24–27°C, pH at 8.1–8.4, and salinity at 1.020–1.025.
Lighting: A standard reef lighting is adequate since Royal Gramma doesn't require any specific light.
Feeding Royal Gramma
Feeding Royal Gramma is not hard, as it is a robust carnivorous fish. It eats zooplankton and crustaceans in the wild. In a home aquarium, provide a combination of:
Marine pellets or protein-rich flakes
Health Care
Royal Gramma is a robust fish and not disease-prone if maintained in a clean, stable environment. To promote good health:
Quarantine new fish after introduction
Perform regular water changes
Prevent sudden water parameter changes
Regularly monitor the Royal Gramma for signs of illness or stress
Breeding Royal Gramma
It is possible to breed the Royal Gramma but under special conditions. They are egg-layers and pair up during breeding. The male Royal Gramma usually constructs a nest between rocks where the female lays eggs. It can be difficult to raise the fry and needs separate tanks and special foods such as rotifers.
Are Royal Grammas hard to keep?
The Royal Gramma is an excellent option for saltwater aquarium hobbyists of all experience levels. Its brilliant colours, gentle disposition, and ease of care have made it a popular choice among hobbyists. Whether you are building your first saltwater aquarium or expanding an existing reef, the Royal Gramma will be a bright and wonderful addition to your underwater world.
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