Tropical western Atlantic reefs; vertical walls with crevices, 10–180 m (usually 20–60 m).
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
6 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
115 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes
Care
Tank and decor: plenty of live rock with caves and crevices, and avoid harsh, bright lighting. The article suggests at least 115 litres (30 US gallons). Water: the article gives 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.020–1.025; a reef tank is usually kept at 1.023–1.026. Behaviour: generally peaceful but territorial once settled. Keep one per tank unless several are added together to a tank about 1.8 m long. It dives into the rocks when frightened. Identification: purple to magenta with a black diagonal cap from the lip to the front of the dorsal fin. The list gives 6 cm; the article gives up to 10 cm. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammamelacara). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Carnivore. Takes meaty foods such as mysis, chopped fish and crustacean flesh and frozen carnivore mixes, and picks at small invertebrates such as copepods and amphipods.
Breeding
Not described in the article.
Compatibility and tank mates
Reef safe. Peaceful with most fish but may defend its cave against other basslets and similar small cave-dwellers. Very small shrimps may be eaten.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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